By Ashley Dube
The Zimbabwe men’s cricket team fell to a three-nil One Day International loss to cricketing giants India. After losing the first two matches convincingly (one by 10 wickets and one by 5 wickets) the Chevrons had the chance to salvage something from the tour in a 290 run chase led by the in-form Sikandar Raza who was removed from the crease following a fantastic catch by player of the match Shubman Gill at mid-on.
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India’s stand in captain Lokesh Rahul had won the toss and chose to bat first and the Zimbabwean bowled brilliantly to restrict the visitors to 289-8. Brad Evans was the pick of the bunch finishing with figures of 5-54 from his 10 overs. Evans broke a number of records including:
· Being the first Zimbabwean to take 5 wickets in an innings versus India at Harare Sports Club
· Becoming the third Zimbabwean to take a fifer against India in One Day Internationals following Heath Streak and Eddo Brandes
· His figures of 5-54 were the third best by a Zimbabwean against India in One Day cricket.
The Chevrons chase took a familiar pattern as the openers departed early. Innocent Kaia fell early off the bowling of Deepak Chahar. Takudzwanashe Kaitano followed soon after as he was forced out due to injury.
Sean Williams who had been promoted up to third scored freely for his almost run a ball 45 before he was trapped in front by off-spinner Axar Patel.
Tony Munyonga was caught out as he attempted to increase the scoring rate. Regis Chakabva (16), Ryan Burl (8) and Luke Jongwe (14) all followed in quick succession.
Raza and Evans then combined for a 103 run stand for the 8th wicket with Sikandar Raza getting his 6th ODI hundred. With that hundred Raza also etched himself into the history books with new record as well including:
· He became the first batsman to score three hundreds in an ODI chase in a calendar year whilst coming in at number 5
· With these hundred Raza is now equal with Brendan Taylor for hitting the most One Day International hundreds for Zimbabwe at home.
Raza was caught out on 115 in the penultimate over which marked the end of the Chevrons chase as Nyauchi was bowled 5 balls later as India completed the whitewash.
Zimbabwe’s top order woes continue
One of the major disappointments from the tour was the continued failure of the Chevrons’ top order batters. From the Afghanistan series the Zimbabwe top order are averaging 47 for the loss of three wickets.
Australia tour next up
The Chevrons are set to play Australia for three one day internationals. Unlike India the Baggie Greens have selected a full strength side for the series. Zimbabwe will be boosted by the return of Blessing Muzarabani who is replacing Chivanga. Chivanga and John Masara will be part of the non-travelling reserves.
There was no room for captain Craig Ervine in the squad as he is still recovering from injury. Regis Chakabva will lead the team down under. The series will commence on the 28th of August.
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