12.21pm Another disappointing show from Zimababwe after being put in to bat. Granted they lost the toss again, but these are home conditions for them, and they should know how to see the new ball off in an ODI where there's lots of time to score in the end. But their top order failed yet again to the Indian quicks' stifling lines, swing, pace in the late 130s, bounce and movement off the pitch. For some time at the start it looked like Zimbabwe were going to see through the first powerplay and write a different script this time, but Shardul Thakur's double-strike started the slide, and the rest of the bowlers did the rest. Sean Williams was Zimbabwe's only hope to get them somewhat close to 200, and even Ryan Burl later on, but Williams strangely holed out off the part-time spin of Deepak Hooda, and Burl just ran his No. 11 out when Zimbabwe had plenty of overs but only one wicket in hand. India's only concern, in my view, would be Kuldeep Yadav's form. Wicketless in the first game - which is not a crime - but he leaked at over six an over today. We'll be back with the chase in half hour or so...
Shardul Thakur after his 3 for 38: (On bowling first change) You have to look at what the opening bowlers have bowled, whether it's swinging or seaming around. And according to the batsmen, you have to be smart as a bowler to adjust accordingly. Early on it was a little on the slower side. Later on there was a bit more so we could bowl more bouncers. What I can improve on is guess where the batsman is going to attack me and bowl accordingly. I think I have good skillsets so I just need to keep polishing those in the nets. Sometimes you just need to hit the deck hard and keep it tight.
Vibhor Shrivast: "Rahul has to open today at any cost. Directly facing Shaheen Afridi in a high voltage match after a comeback doesn't seem to be a good idea after his last outing against the same bowler. "
Vibhor Shrivast: "Still no words on Deepak Chahar? Is he injured again? A single ODI doesn't imply work load enough to rest him." Sadly, no. No information from the BCCI or team management on why he's not playing today.
Navneet: "Rahul should open Today."
TL Chivanga run out 4 (6m 4b 1x4 0x6) SR: 100.00
KL Rahul brings back Prasidh Krishna. Around the wicket, no slips, third man in the circle
END OF OVER:38 | 11 Runs 1 Wkt | ZIM: 160/9 | RR: 4.21
- Tanaka Chivanga4 (4b)
- Ryan Burl38 (46b)
- Kuldeep Yadav8-0-49-1
- Axar Patel7-1-20-1
Around the wicket for the last one
Two slips and one leg slip for Chivanga
VM Nyauchi run out 0 (4m 0b 0x4 0x6) SR: -
END OF OVER:37 | 2 Runs 1 Wkt | ZIM: 149/8 | RR: 4.02
- Ryan Burl31 (44b)
- Axar Patel7-1-20-1
- Kuldeep Yadav7-0-38-1
B Evans b Patel 9 (18m 13b 1x4 0x6) SR: 69.23