Harare: India’s bench strength will be tested when a second string team takes on Zimbabwe in a three-match one-day series beginning here on Friday with the youngsters as well as a few seniors hoping to capitalise on the opportunity.
Zimbabwe skipper Elton Chigumbura has won the toss and elected to field.
It is India’s first assignment after a heart-breaking series-defeat against Asian neighbours Bangladesh and taking the hosts lightly is hardly an option for the World Cup semifinalist as the African nation has shown progress and promise of late.
Live Score, IND: 92-5 (25.3 overs)
WICKET! India are now in major trouble after losing their fifth wicket. Chibhabha has taken his second and Kedar Jadhav makes the slow walk back to the pavillion after scoring just 5 runs. India are rattled.
WICKET! A risky single taken by Robin Uthappa and Ambait Rayudu was one that was certainly not required specially at this point of time when India find themselves to be on the backfoot. A direct throw after Sikandar Raza, who swooped down on the ball and under-arm flicked it onto the furniture saw India lose two wickets in two overs. Deep trouble now.
WICKET! Zimbabwe seem to be on top after India have lost their third wicket, Manoj Tiwary departing after scoring just 2 runs. Chibhabha pitched the ball up and it smacked Tiwary on the front pad bang in front of middle. Umpire Tiffin’s finger went up without any hesitation.
WICKET! The Indian Team’s run-scoring has reduced by a big margin with the innings paced at just 3.61 run per over. Indian skipper Ajinkya Rahane (34) who was watching the ball closely but at the same time was wasting too many balls finally fell prey to a Donald Tiripano delivery. It was a sharp take from Masakadza at slip. On a length and outside off, Rahane is undone by extra bounce and only manages a thick edge, which is snaffled by the Zimbabwe player.
WICKET! It was a fresh new opening pair as skipper Ajinkya Rahane started off the innnings with Murali Vijay. India, after 2 overs were looking steady, until Brian Vitori got the early breakthrough. It was a good length and in the channel outside off. Vijay is good at leaving balls but he couldn’t resist his temptation here. He pushed away from the body and edged it to Vusi Sibanda at second slip. Vijay departed after adding just one run to the total.
