Pacer Prince Yadav misses third T20I against Zimbabwe due to hamstring niggle
Harare, July 26
India pacer Prince Yadav was ruled out of the third and final T20I against Zimbabwe after sustaining a hamstring niggle during the second match of the series, the Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed on Sunday.
The young fast bowler, who featured in the opening two matches of the series, was unavailable for selection as India made one change to their playing XI for the final T20I in Harare.
Providing an update on X, the BCCI wrote, "Prince Yadav was unavailable for selection in the third T20I due to a hamstring niggle which he sustained while bowling in the second T20I against Zimbabwe."
After winning the toss, India elected to bat first and posted a challenging 192/5 in 20 overs, thanks largely to another sensational knock from 15-year-old opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
The teenage batter continued his impressive start to international cricket, smashing 81 off just 49 deliveries, an innings studded with eight fours and four sixes. He reached his second T20I half-century in just 31 balls before falling agonisingly short of what would have been a memorable century.
India got off to a flying start with Sooryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma taking 17 runs off the opening over bowled by Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza. Although Blessing Muzarabani dismissed Abhishek Sharma for two in the next over, Sooryavanshi and Ishan Kishan ensured the visitors maintained the momentum during the powerplay.
Kishan chipped in with 29 before being bowled by Raza, while captain Shreyas Iyer contributed a brisk 27 from 18 balls. Rinku Singh then provided the finishing flourish with 25 off 14 deliveries, while Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 11 as India finished strongly.
For Zimbabwe, Brad Evans was the most successful bowler with figures of 2/41, while Raza, Muzarabani and Wessly Madhevere claimed one wicket apiece.
Zimbabwe Playing XI: Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani
India Playing XI: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Suryansh Shedge, Ravi Bishnoi, Yash Thakur, Mayank Yadav, Ashok Sharma.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I remember when we used to struggle against Zimbabwe in the early 2000s. Look at us now - scoring 192 and a 15-year-old is the star. It's great to see Indian cricket's depth, but I do feel for Zimbabwe. Their cricket needs more support from ICC and bigger boards.
Prince Yadav missing out is a blow, he's been consistently clocking 140+ and troubling batters. But the silver lining is that other youngsters like Yash Thakur get a chance. Deep bench strength is what makes Indian cricket special. Vaibhav though... what a talent! 😍
BCCI should handle Prince's injury with utmost care. We've seen too many promising fast bowlers break down due to poor workload management. He's only played 2 T20Is, no need to rush him back. Let the lad recover fully and then come back stronger. Good thing we have Mayank Yadav and others waiting in the wings.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi at 15 years old is mind-boggling. He's hitting international bowlers like they're schoolkids. Reminds me of a young Sachin Tendulkar or more recently, Shubman Gill's early promise. If Indian cricket manages his development well, we could have a generational talent on our hands. Prince's injury is a minor setback in a bigger picture.
The way Vaibhav is batting, even Sachin at 15 wasn't this explosive. But kudos to Zimbabwe for fighting back and taking wickets at regular intervals. 192 is a good total
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