"Hunted like a lion" - Fans erupt as Ravi Bishnoi registers career-best figures in IND vs ZIM 1st T20I
Team India's Ravi Bishnoi ran riot in the side's T20I series opener against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club in Harare on Saturday, July 6. The wrist-spinner finished with a stunning four-wicket haul.
Shubman Gill won the toss for India and chose to field first. Bishnoi came into the attack in the fifth over and struck straightaway. The crafty spinner got Brian Bennett out bowled with a brilliant googly to kick off his spell.
Wessly Madhevere was Bishnoi's second victim. The batter attempted to play the sweep, but was undone by the googly and the ball ended up crashing onto the stumps.
The 23-year-old ended his spell with a double wicket maiden, claiming the wickets of Luke Jongwe and Blessing Muzarabani in his final over. Bishnoi recorded impressive figures of 4-2-13-4, his career-best in T20Is.
Several fans took to social media, lauding Bishnoi for his bowling exploits. Here are some of the top reactions:
Many Indian supporters praised Ravi Bishnoi for bowling the googly with perfection in the encounter.
"Bishnoi 4-13. Trusted his googly and hunted like a lion. Main team material," commented a fan.
"Never seen leg spinner bowling all 6 balls on middle and off stump line so accurately. Bringing in googly and leg spin both in play. Great bowling so far by Bishnoi!" remarked another.
"Bishnoi - Right arm googly bowler, feeling like bowling to school boys there in Zimbabwe," chimed in yet another.
Ravi Bishnoi's impactful spell helped India restrict Zimbabwe to 115/9 in 20 overs
Zimbabwe were off to a dismal start with the bat, with opener Innocent Kaia back in the hut for a duck in the second over. Ravi Bishnoi put India in the driver's seat by picking up two wickets in quick succession.
Cameos from Clive Madande (29*), Dion Myers (23) and Brian Bennett (22) helped Zimbabwe cross the 110-run mark. The home team ultimately finished at 115/9 after 20 overs.
Bishnoi was the pick of the Indian bowlers with his four-wicket haul. Washington Sundar also did a fine job, bagging figures of 4-0-11-2. Pacers Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan took one scalp each.