Improved India outclass hosts in second ODI to take series 2-0- Zimbabwe v India 2nd ODI Match Review

Improved India outclass hosts in second ODI to take series 2-0- Zimbabwe v India 2^nd ODI Match Review: A clinical performance from a second string Indian team completes a series win over Zimbabwe as the men in blue beat hosts in the second One-Day International by 62 runs. Unlike the first game, the Indian players looked more composed and agile in all the three department of the game. As the Ajinkya Rahane led side topple the Zimbabweans to clinch the 3 match ODI series 2-0, with a game to play.

India were up there right from the start as openers Ajinkya Rahane and Murali Vijay who couldn’t do much in the previous game, turned the ante in their favor as the duo added 112 for the first wicket. Last game’s hero Ambati Rayadu and Stuat Binny also came in with a decent cameo to set 272 for Zimbabwe in 50 overs.

Chasing 272, it was always going to difficult for the Elton Chigumbura’s side. As expected Zimbabwe never got going in the chase, losing Vusi Sibanda, Hamilton Masakadza and Chigumbura in quick succession with their score reeling at 43-3. The back was well and truly broken. The other opener Chamu Chibhabha showed some resistance to form 52 runs partnership with Sean Williams. Though Williams was undone by Axar Patel, as the left-arm spinner cleaned him for 20.

While opener Chibhabha continued in his own way, as he treated the bowlers on their merit, he pounced on anything loose from the Indian bowlers – that was a rarity during the entire length of the match. Chibhabha’s 72 run innings was cut short by a brilliant direct hit from Indian skipper Ajinkya Rahane.

Offie Harbhajan Singh then got into the act to claim his first wicket in ODI cricket after 108 games. The off-spinner dismissed Sikander Raza as Robin Uthappa completed a fine catch behind the stumps.

Despite the chase looking all but over, wicket-keeper batsman Mutumbami (32) and leg-spinner Cremer (27) tried to keep Zimbabwe’s hopes alive with a 52 run eighth wicket partnership. Mutumbami looked aggressive in his approach and produced some clean hits. After hitting two back to back fours of Binny, he was caught at deep extra-cover while looking to clear the field and end up hitting it straight in Patel’s hand.

The three batsmen couldn’t do much as the hosts were bundled out for 209 in 49 overs, and the Indian team registered their second win of the series. The Indian bowlers also looked in good rhythm with combination of both pace and spin working well in favour of the tourist. Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed 4 scalps in his 10 overs including 3 maidens. While offie Harbhajan shows glimpses of his old form in his economical spell of 1 for 29 in 10 overs. Dhawal Kulkarni, Axar Patel and Stuat Binny also got a wicket each.

Earlier, batting first Ajinkya Rahane (63) and Murali Vijay (72) begin on a cautious note. Though once the ball got older, both played their shots and scored freely. In the process, the duo recorded India’s highest ever opening stand in Harare, surpassing the previous best of 99 between Tendulkar and Sehwag.

Rahane then completed his 10th ODI fifty, while Vijay registered his first. Chamu Chibhabha found Rahane’s leading edge in his second over to end the 112-run opening stand. Vijay continued to play his shots but holed out in the deep looking for some big runs. Rayudu was well set for a big innings, but Sikandar Raza had him caught at deep mid-wicket as he tried to hit a maximum for 41. Also Manoj Tiwary (22) was dismissed after getting a start but couldn’t carry the momentum forward. The hosts then pulled things back by picking up wickets at regular intervals, but a cameo from Stuart Binny (25 off 16) helped India go past 270. Zimbabwe used as many as 8 bowlers and Neville Madziva was the pick of them, as he registered his career-best figures by scalping four wickets.

Brief Scores:

India- 271 for 8 (Murali Vijay 72, Ajinkya Rahane 63, Madziva 4-49) win by 62 runs

Zimbabwe- 209 all out in 49 overs (Chamu Chibhabha 72, R Mutumbami 32, B Kumar 4- 33)

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