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Paul Munyuki Harare Bureau
THE Zimbabwe cricket side continued with their poor show when they lost the opening Twenty20 international by 54 runs against India yesterday at Harare Sports Club.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, India posted 178/5 at the end of their allotted 20 overs and, in reply, the hosts struggled once they had lost their openers.
“We were outclassed all around today. It’s very disappointing because I think we gave them 10 to 15 runs,” said skipper Elton Chigumbura.
“And, also in the second innings, the wicket got dryer and became two-paced so it became difficult to try and play some strokes.
“India bowled well as well, changing the pace. Mainly, the batting side was disappointing. It doesn’t help when you lose wickets, credit to the bowlers.
“So it’s very important to try and play our best cricket on Sunday and hopefully we get a better result.”
Christopher Mpofu was the peak of the Zimbabwe bowlers finishing with figures of 3-33 in his four overs as he was responsible for the scalps of Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadav and Stuart Binny.
“I think first of all we batted very well,” said Indian skipper Rahane.
“Between 160 and 170 would be a good total and our spinners came handy. (The wicket) became a little slower later on, but still the bowlers had to do well.
“There was no initial movement so slightly it was easier to bat in the first innings. The way we batted in the middle overs, taking singles and twos, proved crucial on a big ground.”
Zimbabwe started on the right note with opening partnership of Chamunorwa “Tsano” Chibhabha (23 of 27 with two fours) and Masakadza (28 off 24) putting up 55 runs.
But once they perished, it was downhill from there.
Online Reporter