Indo-Asian News Service
Harare, June 12: India will aim at another easy victory against Zimbabwe in the second ODI here Monday that will enable them to clinch the three-match series.
The young Indian team, comprising largely of newcomers, gave a good account of themselves in the first match, winning by nine wickets, Saturday.
India were dominant from the very beginning against a weak Zimbabwe side. Pacer Jasprit Bumrah picked up four wickets as the hosts were dismissed for a paltry 168.
Then it was opener Lokesh Rahul who made his debut special with an unbeaten century. Rahul will be hoping to score heavily in the series to boost his self-esteem before taking the flight to the West Indies for a Test series in August.
Not only Rahul, Ambati Rayudu also was among runs, striking a patient unbeaten half century. India’s all-round performance would have gladdened skipper MS Dhoni after the selectors picked a rookie squad for the series.
Not only Bumrah, India’s other bowlers also performed impressively. Pacers Dhawal Kulkarni and Barinder Sran got two wickets each while spinners Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahala backed them well by claiming a wicket each.
Given the status and quality of the opposition, the Indian management could provide opportunities to those who didn’t get an opportunity in the first match. The only aspect worth being curious about, apart from individual performances, will be the final 11 for the Indian side. The focus will be on Dhoni whether he will choose to play the same team or provide opportunity to those who sat out the first match.
