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India have claimed an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 3 match ODI series against Zimbabwe as they beat the hosts by 5 wickets. This was India’s 14th consecutive victory against Zimbabwe since 2013.
KL Rahul, who had promoted himself to the opening position, couldn’t capitalise the opportunity as he was adjudged LBW in the 2nd over of the chase. Just when it seemed that Dhawan and Gill would seal the game for the visitors again, Dhawan fell to a short ball by Chivanga after scoring 33 runs off 21 balls.
Ishan Kishan and Gill stitched a 36-run partnership in which Gill was the aggressor. Luke Jongwe dismissed both these batters in consecutive overs leaving the visitors at 97-4 at the end of the 14th over.
Sanju Samson (43 runs off 39 balls) and Deepak Hooda (25 runs off 36 balls) put up a 56-run partnership that almost sealed the game for India. With just 9 runs needed for victory, Hooda was yorked in the 24th over by Sikandar Raza as India lost their 5th wicket. Samson finished the proceedings by smashing a six that clinched the series for India in the 26th over.
“How much ever time you spend in the middle, it makes you feel good. Even more special to do it for the country. I did take three catches, but I missed a stumping. Really enjoying keeping and batting. I think they (Indian bowlers) were bowling really good areas, a lot of balls came nicely to me,” said player of the match, Sanju Samson.
The Indian bowling attack had a good outing as all the 6 bowlers had atleast a wicket each to their name. Shardul Thakur finished the game with an impressive bowling figure of 38-3 in 7 overs. But it was Siraj (8-2-16-1) and Prasidh (6.1-1-28-1) who set the tone right from the first over to combine for an impressive opening spell that did not let the hosts gain any momentum.
At the end of the 10 overs, Zimbabwe just managed to score 26-1. For Zimbabwe, Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza stitched a 41-run partnership after they were struggling at 39-4 at the end of the 13th over. Kuldeep Yadav claimed the important wicket of Raza when he tried cutting the ball for an inside-out shot which went straight into the hands of the backward point.
Williams departed for a run-a-ball 42 before he swept Hooda to deep square leg where Dhawan took a comfortable catch. Yet again, the lower order helped Zimbabwe cross the 150-run mark. Ryan Burl remained unbeaten on 39 runs off 47 deliveries. Zimbabwe lost their last three wickets in three consecutive overs and were bundled out for just 161 runs.
With the series sealed comprehensively, India might look to bat first in the 3rd and final ODI that will be played tomorrow at the Harare Sports Club. That will be another opportunity for KL Rahul to get in shape before the Asia Cup. India might also try to make some changes and give opportunities to Rahul Tripathi and Shahbaz Ahmed who might debut for India.
On the other hand, Zimbabwe would like to learn from their mistakes and capitalize on the home conditions to avoid a clean sweep by the visitors.
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