Shubman Gill scratches but succeeds against New Zealand, records first ODI fifty in 10 months
Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 101 runs against Bangladesh on February 20 in the Champions Trophy was the last time he scored more than fifty runs for India in ODIs.
Against New Zealand in Vadodara, Shubman Gill played like a man coming back from injury. The Indian ODI captain was deprived of pace at the BCA Stadium on January 11.
In pursuit of the 301, he struggled on the power play. Kyle Jamieson bothered him with the swing, bounce and seam moves. The big pacer beat Gill, hit him high with the bat and made him play and miss. But fortunately, he survived Jamieson’s first explosion.
Shubman Gill fights hard against New Zealand
As the field faded, he got a reprieve against Zak Foulkes in the 8th when Glenn Phillips almost scored a stunner then. But from that point on, Gill seemed more in control.
He finally broke the shackles with a grounded six to Adithya Ashok in the 13th over. Until this limit, he had scored only 13 (27). But Gill was still not at his best. Instead of forcing it, he gave himself time. He relied heavily on racing in singles and doubles with an occasional limit.
With Virat Kohli flying at the other end, Gill decided it was wise to just switch ends and let him work the magic. The move worked. Together, they added 118 runs in 17.5 overs. In the 25th over, Gill scored his 15th ODI fifty, 5th against New Zealand in just 13 innings.
He looked ready for a big one. Yes, it took time, 66 balls, but with each passing moment, Gill looked better. After the 26th, he felt something in his leg. The physio came out. It was clear that Gill was cramping. He worked his leg and his back.
After a few minutes, Gill was up. But the damage was done. The pause broke his concentration. The next delivery he faced, a full ball bowled by Ashok, he sent it towards extra cover, where Phillips claimed an easy catch. Gill would certainly feel like he’s gone there.
But considering he was coming back from injury and had not crossed the 50-run mark in his last 7 ODIs, this 56-run knock was a positive for Gill and India.
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