Zimbabwe humiliate India

Hosts Zimbabwe shocked India by six wickets in the first one-day international in the Tri-Nation series here on Friday. India, led by young captain Suresh Raina won the toss and elected to bat first. Batting first India set up a target of 286 thanks to Rohit Sharma‘s maiden ton. He scored 114(119) and got good support at the other end from Ravindra Jadeja who scored a run a ball 61.

Zimbabwe India first ODI

In reply Zimbabwe gave a power-packed performance to reach the target with 10 balls to spare. Brendan Taylor (81) and Hamilton Masakadza (46) laid the foundation of the chase, and gave a terrific start with 88 runs off just 13 overs. Craig Ervine (67*) and Charles Coventry (32) then held the reins in the middle overs. Chigumbura with his cameo of 24*(16) did the rest.

Taylor was adjudged man of the match for his performance with the bat.India’s real weakness showed when three of their debutant pacers(?) proved to be no match for Zimbabwe’s mediocre batting. With this defeat, questions are once again being raised on the bench strength of Indian team.

Zimbabwe, though would have beaten a second string Indian side, it is their moment to cherish. Indians, on the other hand, will have to work real hard, especially on their bowling and fielding department, else reaching finals would become a distant dream, leave alone the thought of winning the series. Still, its too early in the series and anything can happen

We will wait and see.