ZIM vs IND: 2nd ODI Review – Zimbabwe push India as visitors take the series
India registered a five-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the second One Day International at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday, August 20 and by the virtue of this win have taken an unassailable 2-0 win in the three-match series.
However, this victory was not easy by any means as the Indians were made to work hard to earn their win in what seemed to be a regulation run chase. India’s stand-in captain KL Rahul once again called it right at the toss and elected to bowl first. The Zimbabweans failed to handle the pressure and kept losing wickets regularly. At one point it appeared as if the hosts would be skittled out for a paltry total had it not been for a middle-order resistance that saw Sean Williams scoring a run-a-ball 42 and Ryan Burl remaining unbeaten on 39 respectively as Zimbabwe were all out for 161 in the 39th over.
Even though the Indian bowlers were outstanding with the ball in hand, they failed to wrap up the innings quickly.
In reply, India also struggled in their run chase as they kept losing wickets just when some of the batters looked set for a big score. KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan were dismissed cheaply while Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill (both 33) failed to capitalize despite getting off to good starts. The middle-order pair of Deepak Hooda and Sanju Samson then took the initiative and reduced the deficit for the Indians.
Hooda was bowled by Sikandar Raza for 25, but wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson played a finisher’s role to perfection as he helped the Men in Blue get over the line in just the 26th over. Samson remained unbeaten on 43 runs off 39 deliveries.
Top performers of the match:
Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur was very impressive with the ball in hand as he asked some tough questions to the Zimbabwe batters. He bowled at good line and lengths and was rewarded with a three-wicket haul. Thakur finished with figures of 3/38 from his seven overs at an economy of 5.4.
Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson was yet again calm and composed despite India losing wickets from the other end. He attacked the Zimbabwe bowlers by firmly holding on to the other end and ensured that he remained right till the end to help India get over the line. The Kerala stumper scored a 39-ball 43.
What’s next for both sides?
Both Zimbabwe and India will next be seen in action in the third One Day International in Harare on Monday August 22.
