India survived a mighty last-ball scare before clinching the T20 series 2-1 with a nervy three-run victory over a spirited Zimbabwe in the third and final Twenty20 International on Wednesday.
The series decider went right down to the last ball after Zimbabwe restricted India to 138 for six and got close to the target before ending at 135 for six. Earlier, Kedar Jadhav bailed India out of trouble with a timely 58 off 42 balls.
Zimbabwe, needing 21 runs off the final over, were in touching distance of a famous series win until Barinder Sran held his nerve for a dramatic finish to the game.
Elton Chigumbura (16) and Timycen Maruma (23 not out) almost pulled off the chase in the final over as Sran conceded a six off the first ball, followed by two fours including one on a no-ball.
A four was needed off the final ball but Chigumbura ended up hitting a low full straight into the hands of Yuzvendra Chahal at cover, triggering wild celebrations by the away side.
The second-string Indian team had to work a lot harder in the T20 series in comparison to three ODIs where they blanked Zimbabwe easily.
India, batting first for the first time on the tour, had a tough time against the Zimbabwe bowlers on a pitch where scoring freely proved to be difficult, as it was the case earlier in the series.
It was a golden opportunity for the young batsmen to make an impact in a must-win match but some of them ended up squandering it.
Dhoni did not get going with the bat but added another feather to his illustrious cap when he walked out for the toss.
By playing this game, he equalled Ricky Ponting’s record of captaining in 324 international matches to be at the top of the list alongside the Australian.
Dhoni, who was appointed captain in 2007, has led India in 60 Tests, 194 ODIs and 70 T20 Internationals.