(Source X)
In the aftermath of India’s triumphant performance in the third T20I against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club, Washington Sundar, the pivotal figure in their victory, shared a noteworthy incident. Reflecting on his standout moment of dismissing Johnathan Campbell, Sundar revealed an encouraging message from substitute fielder Riyan Parag just before the crucial wicket fell. Sundar expressed his satisfaction in successfully executing the plan laid out, effectively removing the batsman.
Sundar’s stellar bowling performance played a crucial role in India’s 23-run victory under the leadership of Shubman Gill, securing a 2-1 lead in the five-match T20I series. His spellbinding display saw him claim three key wickets at pivotal junctures of the game, earning him his maiden Player of the Match award in international cricket.
In a post-match interview, Sundar underscored the significance of Parag’s timely encouragement, which added to the team’s collective effort and contributed to their success on the field.
“Just before the ball, Riyan Parag told me that it would be great if he could get a catch because he had come in as a substitute. It was great for me to execute in that vein.”
Washington Sundar enticed Johnathan Campbell with a teasingly tossed-up delivery, enticing a drive through the off-side. However, Campbell’s attempt resulted in a misjudged edge that found its way straight into the hands of substitute fielder Riyan Parag at slip, forcing the batsman to depart for an early pavilion visit.
Sundar’s impact transcended beyond Campbell’s dismissal. He dismantled Zimbabwe’s batting lineup with precision, claiming the crucial wickets of skipper Sikandar Raza and Clive Madande in the 17th over. Madande, in partnership with Dion Myers, had threatened India with a resilient 77-run stand. Sundar’s decisive spell of 3/15 proved instrumental, shifting the momentum decisively in favor of the Indian team.
I knew he was going to go big right from the first ball – Washington Sundar on Sikandar Raza’s wicket
Washington Sundar expressed his satisfaction with dismissing Sikandar Raza, noting that the Zimbabwean captain was attacking aggressively at the time. Sundar acknowledged the pressure exerted by Raza and his partner, Dion Myers, during their resilient 77-run partnership. Reflecting on the match, Sundar elaborated:
“The first wicket was Sikandar Raza. I knew he was going to go big right from the first ball, and I am glad to have gotten him out. Even the last one, I really wanted to take it wide because I knew he was going to look big on the on-side.
“It did put a lot of pressure on us and we wanted to execute our plans the best we can to restrict them,” he concluded.
Washington Sundar is set to return to action as India gears up to face Zimbabwe in the upcoming fourth game of the series. The match is scheduled for Saturday, the 13th of July, at the Harare Sports Club in Harare.
