Zim v Ind, 1st ODI Review: India start off tour with a comfortable win

India faced no problems at all overcoming the bleak challenge put up by the hosts Zimbabwe in the series opener at the Harare Sports Club. The visitors kicked off their African safari with a very easy day in the field, registering an overwhelming 9 wickets win to take a 1-0 lead in the three match series.

Batting first, the hosts could only set a mere 169 runs target after been put in to bat first. The Indians, in reply, did not face any trouble in chasing down the target. KL Rahul’ record breaking century (100 from 115 balls) and Ambati Rayudu’s supportive knock (62 from 120 balls) helped the visitors finish off the game without breaking any sweat.

Coach Makhaya Ntini’s strong statements before the start of the match added some spice to the game. Unfortunately, his boys looked very lethargic in their approach and played lifelessly for most part of the game, thereby flattening all the tall claims made by their coach.

Six of their batsmen in their batting order had brisk starts but failed to get going. Similarly, the bowlers weren’t able to take advantage of young & inexperienced Indian batting side and kept searching for the competitive spirit.

The Indians, who fielded three debutants today, opted for a very defensive approach throughout the chase. The start to the chasing effort wasn’t good after they lost debutant Karun Nair (7 from 20 balls) prematurely. However, the other debutant, KL Rahul and Ambati Rayudu then held things together and took the innings forward, putting up an unbeaten 157 runs for the second wicket.

Coming to the tour after a fiery run fest in the IPL, both the batsmen showed no signs of aggression and batted throughout their innings without any hurry t finish their job. Both looked satisfied with the singles and doubles but did not miss any chance to punish the loose balls.

It was a special day for KL Rahul who became the first Indian to score a century on ODI debut today. playing with a firm support provided from Rayudu, Rahul patiently led the chase

Eventually, there was not much work left. The small target was overhauled in the 43rd over in style with Rahul smashing a six over long-on to finish the game and also become complete his century.

Earlier, the start of the day saw some brilliant show by the Indian bowling attack. Jasprit Bumrah (4/28) was the top performer with the ball today. Dhawal Kulkarni (2/42) and Barinder Sran (2/42) also had a party today.

Axar Patel (1/26), making a comeback, also rushed through the overs in the middle to give his skipper MS Dhoni the kind of control he enjoys when he employs spinners in the middle overs. Yuzvendra Chahal also had an outstanding debut, taking 1/27 in his spell.

Zimbabwe, after being put into bat by the visitors, had a poor start to the game, losing opener Peter Moor in the 2nd over of the match. Left arm paceman Barinder Sran was the early beneficiary He carried on his IPL form into the game and bowled a very lively spell at the start, constantly challenging the other opener Chamu Chibhabha and Hamilton Masakadza with his full swinging deliveries.

Zimbabweans lost two more wickets before the team could reach the 50 runs mark after Jasprit Bumrah and Dhawal Kulkarni chipped in with the wickets of Chibhabha and Masakadza.

After the early falls of wickets, some semblance of a fight from the Zimbabwe side came in form of Elton Chigumbura (41 from 65 balls), Craig Ervine (21 from 45 balls) and Sikandar Raza (23 from 54 balls). The trio’s effort saw the hosts reach a somewhat manageable total.

Brief Scores:

Zimbabwe: 168 all out in 49.5 overs (Elton Chigumbura 41; Jasprit Bumrah 4/28)

India: 173/1 in 42.3 overs (KL Rahul 100; Tendai Chatara 1/20)

Player of Match: Jasprit Bumrah

Man of the Match: KL Rahul