Indian captain Shubman Gill lauded Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad after the team’s comprehensive 100-run win against Zimbabwe in the second T20I at the Harare Sports Club, Harare on Sunday. India could only manage 36-1 in the Powerplay overs but Sharma took the attack to the opposition bowlers after the field restrictions were lifted.

Both the batters had the rub of the green on their side as they were dropped twice however they were able to make the most of their extra chances. The left-hander scored a 47-ball 100 with the help of seven fours and eight sixes as he scored at an impressive strike rate of 212.77.

On the other hand, Ruturaj Gaikwad got off to a sedate start but he was able to change the gears towards the fag end. The flamboyant batter scored 77 runs off just 47 balls as his knock was laden with 11 fours and one six. Sharma and Gaikwad added 137 runs off just 76 balls as they batted at the top of their game.

Furthermore, Rinku Singh, promoted to number four, added the finishing touches with a blistering knock of 22-ball 48 to help India post an above-par score of 234 runs on the board.

Shubman Gill said in the post-match presentation, “Very happy, great to be back on the winning note back again. With the way Abhishek and Rutu batted, it was not easy especially in the powerplay, with the ball moving around but Abhi and Rutu built the innings brilliantly. Yesterday, it was more about not being able to handle the pressure, it’s a young side and many of them are new to international exposure.”

Gill added, “It was actually good to have pressure in the first game and we knew what to expect coming into this game. We have got three matches to go and we are looking forward to them. It’s always good to have more options rather than not having options.”

Abhishek Sharma was awarded Player of the Match for his blistering knock. The third T20I of the series will be played at the same venue on Wednesday