The second ODI between Zimbabwe and India was a one sided clash, as the visitors easily won the game in the end. After posting a decent total on board, the Indian bowlers were brilliant and on the money as they bowled well to restrict the Zimbabweans. Bhuvneshwar Kumar in particular was lethal with the new ball as the Zimbabwean top order found it extremely difficult to negotiate Kumar. It were the strikes of Kumar and fellow pacer Dhawal Kulkarni right at the top, which derailed the Zimbabwean run chase.
Elton Chigumbura, the skipper of Zimbabwe felt that losing early wickets at the top was the reason behind Zimbabwe’s loss. “Losing three wickets in the first 11 overs was not good. We lost the game there. Something we have to work on in the next game. It was a much better wicket compared to the first game. I thought it was a chaseable score. Every game is important for us and hopefully we can play well on Tuesday,” the Zimbabwe captain said.
In contrast to Chigumbura was his counterpart and Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane. Rahane praised the Indian side for its improved performance and said that it was a good team effort. Rahane however, said that he was a little too disappointed with the batting as he expected the team to go to close to 300.
“We were looking at 280-290, and we got close to that. Like I said, we needed to bat well as a unit. The wicket was a lot easier in the first innings, but got much more slower in the second innings. So, it became easier for us as we have experienced spinners. The bowlers were really up to the mark and fielding is something where we give our 100%. Overall, a good performance and I am happy for the boys,” said Rahane.