Zimbabwe v India: India Player Ratings

India took an unassailable 2-0 lead over Zimbabwe in the three-match series after they steamrolled the hosts by 8 wickets in the 2nd ODI. Zimbabwe displayed yet another sub-standard performance today and suffered their second straight loss in the three-match series. After a loss in the series opener, a fighting effort was being expected from the hosts. However, the Zimbabweans could not bring any turnaround and failed miserably. Batting first, they were bowled out for just 126 after failing to cope with the Indian bowling attack led by leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal’s brilliant spell. Later, their bowlers were made to look completely ineffective as the Indians batsman completed the chase without much difficulties, winning the game with 8 wickets in hand.

1. Lokesh Rahul – 5 /10:

Lokesh Rahul, the last match’s centurion, looked well set for another good knock. But, over-cautiousness became the reason for his downfall. The wicket-keeper batsmen opened the innings with a pea-sized target to chase and batted in a pretty similarly like the 1st ODI. Unfortunately, he could stay and finish the game like he did in the previous game was dismissed by Chamu Chibhabha in the 15th over after making 33 off 50 deliveries.

2. Karun Nair – 7/10:

After failing on his debut, Karun Nair looked extra cautious with his approach today. The opener did not show any signs of hurriedness and slowly moved ahead. However, his slow scoring rate made the match look a bit dull in during the chase. But, eventually, Nair did his job, scoring 39 off 68 balls before getting dismissed just a ball before the end of the match.

3. Ambati Rayudu – 8/10:

Ambati Rayudu spiced up the game little bit his lively stroke making. The right-hander, who came in after the fall of KL Rahul, played yet another sensible innings and helped India sail past the winning line pretty quickly than anticipated. He remained not out on 41 runs off 44 balls.

4. Manish Pandey – 3.5/10:

Manish Pandey hit a four off the only ball he faced in the match, ensuring an 8 wicket win for India.

5. Kedar Jadhav (Did not bat) – 5/10:

Kedar Jadhav did not get any opportunity to bat. The wicket keeper still did some contribution in the field, taking two easy catches on the boundary ropes.

6. MS Dhoni (c & wk) (Did not bat) – 5/10:

This might the easiest tour for MS Dhoni so far in his long and eventful career. He has led the young pack well and was at his usual best behind the stumps.

7. Axar Patel – 6.5/10:

Axar Patel had a fairly satisfying day today. He didn’t have much workload today after the fast bowlers and Chahal toppled the opposition. He simply bowled out his over economically and finished with 1/22 in his 7.3 overs spell.  

8. Dhawal Kulkarni – 7.5/10:

Dhawal Kulkarni had a very satisfying day with the ball. He bowled with usual control and generated enough swing to keep the opposition batsmen on toes. His impeccable out-swingers helped him get better of Chibhabha and Chatara (both his dismissals were a treat to watch). He finished the day with figures of 2/31 in his 9 overs spell.

9. Jasprit Bumrah – 7.5/10:

Jasprit Bumrah also had an eventful day today. The right arm fast bowler returned with figures of 1/27 in his 6 overs spell. He was called in to bowl as the first change bowler and was used for a short spell today by Dhoni. His only success of the day came in the form of Mutumbami who nicked a sharp incoming delivery to MS Dhoni.

10. Barinder Sran – 8/10:

Barinder Sran looked in fine form today. He was wonderful to watch bowling with the new ball. The left arm fast bowler started off his day with a superb maiden over and was largely responsible for the top order collapse. He finished with a highly productive numbers of 1/17 in his six overs spell.

11. Yuzvendra Chahal – 9/10:

Yuzvendra Chahal was the star with the ball today for India. The Zimbabwean had resurrected the innings after early setbacks with Sibanda and Raza looking well-settled. However, the nippy leg break bowler then intervened and triggered a collapse, snapping two quick wickets in the 26th over. Later, he topped it up with the wicket of the stubborn Sibanda in hi following over to shake the Zimbabwean innings badly.