NEW DELHI: Ishan Kishan was the undisputed winner with the bat as India sealed the T20I series against Zimbabwe on Saturday, but it was a comical miss behind the stumps that echoed on TV after the last ball.The wicketkeeper-batsman, who hit a brilliant 81 in 44 matches to earn the Player of the Match award, has been the target of criticism for his lack of performance as Zimbabwe chase. Kishan then saw the funny side of the incident, joking about it during the post-match presentation.The viral moment came in the 15th over when Tadiwanashe Marumani of Zimbabwe hit the ball towards the back.
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The batsmen’s mix-up left them all powerless near the bowler’s end, which presented India with what looked like a chance to chase.However Kishan just threw himself down to the stumps, seeming to believe that the batsman had already made it. The throw did not hit the stumps or reach Ravi Bishnoi for a try, which allowed Zimbabwe to run away.After seeing what happened, Kishan immediately put his hand on his head with a sheepskin as his teammates and fans were left in disbelief.WATCH: Ishan Kishan is over
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The lighthearted moment quickly went viral on social media, and Kishan was asked about it after receiving the Player of the Match award.“I thought the batter was already inside the crease, but my bad. I’ll be checking the bails next time,” he said with a smile.Fortunately for India, this missed opportunity did not affect the result as Zimbabwe scored 129, giving the visitors a 90-run victory and an unassailable 2-0 lead in three matches.
Brilliant 81 power India to win the series
Kishan ensured that his spectacular miss remained a footnote in producing a superb innings as India slumped to 29/2 midway through the Powerplay.The left-hander built an innings with captain Shreyas Iyer on a 66-run stand before adding a 94-run partnership with Tilak Varma.Kishan hit nines and sixes in his 44-ball 81, bringing up his 13th T20 half in just 31 years. Tilak finished well with an unbeaten 60 off just 29 balls as India raced to 219/5.Zimbabwe did not threaten the target despite Brian Bennett’s brisk 32. Opener Yash Thakur impressed with 2/30, while Abhishek Sharma claimed 3/17. Prince Yadav struck twice before leaving the field with a hamstring injury.India eventually managed a 90-run victory to clinch the series with one match to spare.