News
12 Jul 2015, 11:27 am
Summary
Team India looks to seal series against Zimbabwe
What Second match of the three-ODI series between Zimbabwe and India When July 12, Sunday, 12:30 IST | 07:00 GMT Where Harare Sports Club, Harare, Zimbabwe The Teams Zimbabwe The Zimbabwe team showed why it wouldn't be all that easy for Ajinkya Rahane's men to walk away with wins despite being pre-series favourites tag. They have showed stomach for a fight and skipper Elton Chigumbura epitomised that with a gallant unbeaten 104-run knock. Given the spirit shown by the hosts, the series has found the spark that will invoke interest. India Ranked No.2 in ODIs, India won the first match thriller by four runs against Zimbabwe, who are ranked way below at No.11. Had Ambati Rayudu and Stuart Binny's sixth wicket partnership not clicked, India would have been into the second game 0-1 down. The duo, both of whom scored their highest ODI totals, came good to score a 160-run stand which saved the match for the visitors. Rahane also scored a good-looking 34 before being caught at slip. But apart from these three, Indian batting order completely failed in the absence of the seniors. The likes of Murali Vijay (1), Manoj Tiwary (2) and skipper Ajinkya Rahane himself will have to come up with improved performances to ensure that India do not find themselves in another embarrassing position again in the series. Key players Zimbabwe Elton Chigumbura has led the team from the front. He has showed that he can carry the team on shoulders and bat long overs to hold one end up. He will also be one of the main players in the team that the Indians will be wary of but the other batsmen need to bat around him while he plans to drop anchor. India Ambati Rayudu stroked his career-best and handled the crisis with determination in the first ODI after the visitors were reduced to 87-5. Rayudu could hold the key for India with his form and ability to bat with the tail. Squads Zimbawe: Elton Chigumbura (Captain), Sikandar Raza Butt, Regis Chakabva, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Graeme Cremer, Neville Madziva, Hamilton Masakadza, Richmond Mutumbami, Tinashe Panyangara, Vusimuzi Sibanda, Donald Tiripano, Prosper Utseya, Brian Vitori, Malcolm Waller and Sean Williams. India: Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), Murali Vijay, Ambati Rayudu, Manoj Tiwary, Kedar Jadhav, Robin Uthappa, Manish Pandey, Harbhajan Singh, Axar Patel, Dhawal Kulkarni, Stuart Binny, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohit Sharma, Sandeep Sharma.



