Published: Jun 15, 2016, 05:53 PM (IST)
Edited: Jun 15, 2016, 07:58 PM (IST)
India complete clean sweep over Zimbabwe in an easy and undisputed three-match series at Harare Sporst Club. Despite featuring a second-string side that was led by India’s most successful captain, MS Dhoni, displayed a clinical performance. Captain Cool, after winning the first two matches, made only one change to the playing XI in the dead rubber, drafting in Faiz Fazal in place of Karun Nair. Zimbabwe won the toss and put only 123 runs on the scoreboard. In reply, India made a mockery of the target and chased it down without losing any wicket. Vishal Mehra brings you the highlights of the match: FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: India vs Zimbabwe 2016, 3rd ODI at Harare
Vusimuzi Sibanda-Chamu Chibhabha partnership: Electing to bat first, Zimbabwe got off to a poor start with Hamilton Masakadza departing early. Masakadza’s 18-ball 8 stay came to an end with Dhawal Kulkarni compelling him to play a rash shot, with Chibhabha strangled at one end. Sibanda has been in good touch in the series and continue his excellent form. Sibanda and Chibhabha added 36 runs in 14.4 overs with the former adding 18 runs and latter making 14 runs. Both helped Zimbabwe get past 50 runs.
Zimbabwe’s batting collapse: This has become quite synonymous with the hosts’ batting throughout the series. From being decently placed at 104 for 3, they crash-landed to 104 for 7 in a span of few balls. It was Jasprit Bumrah who incited the collapse, picking up Maruma and Chigumbura in the same over. Akshar Patel continued the trend, picking up Greame Cremer for a first-ball duck, along with a brilliant run-out by Rahul of Malcom Waller in the same over. Later, Patel and Bumrah who cleaned up the tail to restrict Zimbabwe to 123 runs. Match report: Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Faiz Fazal combine to help India thrash Zimbabwe India by 10 wicketsin 3rd ODI; complete
Jasprit Bumrah’s four-for outfox Zimbabwe: Bumrah had been a consistent performer in the series, managing to outshine again in the final match of the series. The leader of the bowling pack showed his brilliance yet again, producing Zimbabwe’s batting collapse. He nabbed the key wickets of Chigumbura and Maruma in the same over. He went on to clean up the tail as well, getting Mutumbami and Mupariwa in the same over. Bumrah’s figures read 4 for 22 in his 10 overs, while his series figures read 25.5 overs, 9 wickets and 77 runs.
Faiz Fazal’s fifty on ODI debut: Fazal, who was expected to come into the playing XI for the final ODI. replaced the struggling Karun Nair. He became only the second player after Farokh Engineer to play for India whose name starts with an ‘F’, and the 214th player to don India’s jersey. His stylish stylish technique came handy on seaming conditions. Fazal notched up his first ever ODI fifty, also becoming the 14th Indian to attain this achievement.
KL Rahul’s second ODI fifty: Rahul continued his great run of form, bringing up his second fifty-plus score in only his 3rd ODI for India. Rahul, who struck a ton in his first match as India player, smartly partnered Fazal and took full charge of the batting. Both added 126 for the first wicket, with Rahul doing bulk of the scoring. He remained an unbeaten 63 off 70 balls, hitting four fours and two crackling sixes. Rahul ended his first ever ODI series as the highest run-scorer from both the sides, collecting 196 runs from three matches at an astounding average of 196.00.
(Vishal Mehra is a reporter at CricketCountry, who enjoys his weekly dose of anime, and plays cricket once a white moon. His twitter handle is @capturethecatch )
