The 2nd ODI between hosts Zimbabwe and India in Harare turned out to be a one sided affair as Indian won the game by 62 runs. The Indians were put into bat once again, but this time, they got off to a solid start. Ajinkya Rahane and M. Vijay were watchful and controlled their instincts. They added 112 for the first wicket before Rahane was dismissed for 63. Just when Vijay was looking to explode, he was caught on 72. India got to 271-8 in the 50 overs and it was a decent batting performance.
Zimbabwe though, never looked settled as Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled beautifully. It was soothing to the eyes to watch Kumar in action. Kulkarni struck first, and then Kumar followed it up with a couple of wickets. The Indian fielding was sloppy, as the fielders dropped a couple of catches on the bowling of Harbhajan Singh. However, Zimbabwe couldn’t recover and could only get to 209.
We now glance through the report card of the Indians for the second ODI –
1. M. Vijay (8/10):
Vijay looked solid at the top and he was absolutely flawless. In the due course of his innings, he got to his maiden ODI half century. Vijay got to his fifty when he had just one boundary to his name. However, soon he accelerated and hit a couple of spectacular sixes. Vijay though, was dismissed at a critical juncture, just when he should have carried on.
2. Ajinkya Rahane (8/10):
The Indian skipper too played an innings similar to Vijay. Like Vijay, Rahane was extremely focused and batted with solid technique. He showed great temperament and character and also got to his half century. Rahane though, would be unhappy with his shot as he got a top edge and was dismissed for 63. Rahane like Vijay should have carried on and made it a big one.
3. Ambati Rayudu (7.5/10):
One cannot complain after watching Rayudu against Zimbabwe. Rayudu came in at a position when the run rate was on the lower side. Rayudu then took the responsibility of changing gears and hit a few boundaries. However, Rayudu would have loved to get to another half century.
4. Manoj Tiwary (4/10):
Another game, another wasted opportunity! Tiwary was expected to be more responsible, but rather he trudged back to the dressing room with another failure to his name. Tiwary could only manage 22 off 26 as he too found it difficult to get going. After failing in the first ODI, Tiwary has done his career no good by adding another low score to his name.
5. Robin Uthappa (5/10):
Uthappa once again didn’t capitalize his opportunity to the core as he was dismissed for just 13. This was a perfect platform for Uthappa to finish with a flourish but he couldn’t display any fireworks. His wicketkeeping too was a cause of concern as he missed a stumping on the bowling of Axar Patel. However, he took a good catch on the bowling of Harbhajan Singh.
6. Stuart Binny (7/10):
Binny once again made a strong statement with his all round performance. Binny came to bat during the death overs and played a quick knock of 25 off 16. His shots were clean and hard. Binny bowled well as he got the wicket of Mutumbami. Overall, it was a satisfactory performance from Binny.
7. Kedar Jadhav (4.5/10):
Jadhav entered in the death overs and Stuart Binny was promoted ahead of him. He could manage only 16 from 13 deliveries. One however, cannot blame Jadhav as he came at a stage when he had to connect everything.
8. Harbhajan Singh (8.5/10):
Bhajji reminded viewers of the good old days as he bowled brilliantly. He gave the ball a lot of air and was looking to be at the top of his game. He was really unfortunate as a couple of catches were put down on his bowling. However, he got the wicket of Sikandar Raza. It was a memorable outing for Harbhajan overall.
9. Axar Patel (8/10):
Patel once again left a positive impression as he bowled smartly. Axar was successful in conning the batsmen as he was very economical as well. He took a wicket after conceding 40 runs in his 10 overs. To an extent, he was unfortunate as well, due to Robin Uthappa missing an easy stumping on his bowling.
10. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (9.5/10):
It was an outstanding performance from Bhuvi as he swung he ball viciously. His first spell was a treat to the eyes as he bowled with great discipline and accuracy. He got some good assistance from the wicket as well. Bhuvi would be hoping to continue his phenomenal work.
11. Dhawal Kulkarni (7.5/10):
Kulkarni had a much better outing than the first ODI. The Mumbai bowler got a wicket and looked in good rhythm. Kulkarni though, would be hoping to bowl with more accuracy.