India survived a last-ball scare before clinching the series 2-1 with a nervy three-run victory over a spirited Zimbabwe in the third and final T20I on Wednesday.
The series decider went right down to the last ball after Zimbabwe restricted India to 138 for six and got close to the target before ending at 135 for six. Earlier, Kedar Jadhav bailed India out of trouble with a timely 58 (42b, 7x4, 1x6).
Zimbabwe, needing 21 off the final over, was in touching distance of a famous series win until Barinder Sran held his nerve for a dramatic finish to the game.
Elton Chigumbura (16) and Timycen Maruma (23 not out) almost pulled off the chase in the final over as Sran conceded a six off the first ball, followed by two fours, including one off a no-ball.
A four was needed from the final ball, but Chigumbura ended up hitting a low full toss straight into the hands of Yuzvendra Chahal at cover.
Earlier, Jadhav struck his maiden T20I half-century as India overcame a poor start to post a competitive total.
Jadhav and Ambati Rayudu (20) did the repair job after India lost early wickets, adding 49 off as many balls.
Dhoni added another feather to his illustrious cap when he walked out for the toss. He equalled Ricky Ponting’s record of captaining in 324 international matches to be at the top of the list alongside the Australian.
Brief scores:
India: 138 for six in 20 overs (Kedar Yadav 58, KL Rahul 22; Donald Tiripano 3/20).
Zimbabwe: 135 for six in 20 overs (Vusi Sibanda 28, Peter Moor 26; Dhawal Kulkarni 2/23, Barinder Sran 2/31).
Teams
India: K.L. Rahul, Mandeep Singh, Ambati Rayudu, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, M.S. Dhoni (c), Axar Patel, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jasprit Bumrah, Barinder Sran, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Zimbabwe: Chamu Chibhabha, Hamilton Masakadza, Peter Moor, Vusi Sibanda, Timycen Maruma, Malcolm Waller, Elton Chigumbura, Graeme Cremer (c), Neville Madziva, Donald Tiripano, Tendai Chatara.
