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 laughable run-out miss behind the stumps that had social media buzzing long after the last ball.The wicketkeeper-batter, who smashed a brilliant 81 off 44 deliveries to win the Player of the Match award, became the center of attention with an amusing fielding lapse 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 over when Zimbabwe’s Tadiwanashe Marumani flicked the ball towards deep backward point.
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A mix-up between the batters left the two stranded near the bowler’s end, presenting India with what looked like a straightforward run-out opportunity.However, Kishan casually underarms the throw into the stumps, as if believing that the batter has already made his ground. The throw neither hit the stumps nor reached Ravi Bishnoi for a backup try, allowing Zimbabwe to escape.Realizing what had happened, Kishan immediately put his hand on his head with a cruel grin as teammates and fans were left in disbelief.WATCH: Ishan Kishan is exhausted
Kishan laughs off the viral moment
The light-hearted moment quickly went viral on social media, and Kishan was asked about it after receiving the Player of the Match award.“I thought the batter was already inside the crease, but my bad. I’ll look at the bails next time,” he said with a smile.Fortunately for India, the missed opportunity had little to do with the outcome 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 powered India to a series win
Kishan ensured that his amusing run-out miss remained a mere footnote by producing a remarkable innings after India slipped 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 match-defining 94-run partnership with Tilak Varma.Kishan hit nine fours and two sixes in 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 cruised to 219/5.Zimbabwe never threatened the target despite Brian Bennett’s strong 32. Debutant Yash Thakur impressed at 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 clinch the series with one match to play.