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 here 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 home team made a confident start to the run chase, reaching 40 for one in the first six overs.
After the early departure of Chamu Chibhabha, the experienced duo of Vusi Sibanda (28) and Hamilton Masakadza (15) looked comfortable against the Indian pace attack.
Sran, who ended with figures of 4/10 on his T20 debut on Monday, was not at his best on Wednesday even though he provided the first breakthrough and held his nerve in the final over.
Masakadza was adjudged lbw after attempting a sweep off left-arm spinner Axar Patel before Kulkarni trapped Sibanda in front of the stumps.
Peter Moor got into the act after Sibanda's dismissal, punishing a wayward Chahal for three sixes. The leggie finally removed Moor but the target was very much within reach as Zimbabwe needed 51 off the last 36 balls.
However, two tight overs by Jaspirt Bumrah and Patel made life tougher for the opposition.
Earlier, Jadhav struck his maiden Twenty20 International half-century as India overcame a poor start to post a competitive total.
With Manish Pandey run out after a brilliant direct hit from Elton Chigumbura, India were struggling at 29 for three in six overs.
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.
Brief scores
India: 138/6 (Yadav 58; Tiripano 3/20) beat Zim: 135/6 ( Sibanda 28; Kulkarni 2/23) by 3 runs.