NEW DELHI: Ishan Kishan was the undisputed star with the bat as India sealed the T20I series against Zimbabwe on Saturday, but it was a comical miss of a run-out behind the stumps that had social media buzzing long after the final ball.The wicket-keeper batsman, who smashed a brilliant 81 off 44 deliveries to earn the Player of the Match award, became the center of attention for a hilarious lapse of field during Zimbabwe’s chase. Kishan later saw the funny side of the incident, joking about it during the post-match presentation.The viral moment came in the 15th, when Zimbabwe’s Tadiwanashe Marumani pushed the ball towards the deep drop point.
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A mix-up between the batsmen left them both stranded near the bowler’s end, presenting India with what looked like a straightforward chance to escape.However, Kishan casually bowled the toss towards the stumps, apparently believing that the batsman had already made his pitch. The pitch neither hit the stumps nor reached Ravi Bishnoi for a save attempt, allowing Zimbabwe to escape.Realizing what had happened, Kishan immediately put his hand on his head with a sheepish grin as his teammates and fans were left in disbelief.WATCH: Ishan Kishan’s escape from Miss
Kishan laughs at the viral moment
The lighthearted moment quickly did the rounds on social media, and Kishan was asked after receiving the Player of the Match award.“I thought the boat was already in the crease, but my bad. I’ll look at the bails next time,” he said with a smile.Fortunately for India, the missed opportunity did not affect the result as Zimbabwe were eventually bundled out for 129, giving the visitors a commanding 90-run victory and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Brilliant 81 allows India to win the series
Kishan ensured that his amusing miss-run-out remained a mere footnote by producing a superb innings after India slumped to 29/2 in the powerplay.The left-hander first rebuilt the innings with captain Shreyas Iyer in a 66-run stand before adding a 94-run partnership with Tilak Varma.Kishan hit nine fours and two sixes during his 44-ball 81, bringing up his 13th T20 half-century in just 31 deliveries. Tilak provided the perfect finishing touch with an unbeaten 60 off just 29 balls as India reached 219/5.Zimbabwe never threatened the target despite Brian Bennett’s brisk 32. Debutant 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 wrapped up a comprehensive 90-run victory to win the series with a match still to play.