India vs Zimbabwe 1st ODI: India win thriller despite Chigumbura heroics

Elton Chigumbura scored an unbeaten 104 but his innings went in vain as India pulled off a thrilling four-run victory over the Zimbabwe in the first ODI in Harare.

Chasing 256 to win, Zimbabwe were in the hunt with Chigumbura holding his innings firm.

Hamilton Masakadza (34) and Sikandar Raza (37) made brief contributions but it was Chigumbura who needed to provide the final touches but Bhuvnesh Kumar bowled the final over well to stop Chigumbura as they managed 251 for seven in 50 overs.

Earlier, an amazing 160-run partnership for the sixth wicket between Ambati Rayudu and Stuat Binny ensured India reached a superb 255 for six in 50 overs.

India were struggling at 87 for five with only Ajinkya Rahane scoring 34, when Rayudu and Binny rescued India.

While Rayudu remained unbeaten on 124 off 133 balls including 12 boundaries and a six, Binny struck a fine 77 from 92 deliveries including six boundaries and two sixes. 

ZIMBABWE INNINGS

Cremer attempts a reverse hit but ends up offering a straight catch to Binny. Zim need 10 runs from six balls. Zim 255-6 in 49 overs.

Graeme Cremer c Binny b Kulkarni 27 (36b 2x4 0x6) 

Superb knock from Chigumbura as he reaches his century in 96 deliveries. His innings consisting of eight boundaries and a six, has got Zimbabwe into contention. Zim 22-6 in 48.3 overs.

Binny earns his second wicket as Mutumbami is caught by Harbhajan Singh. It's a difficult task now with just Chigumbura keeping the hopes alive with a gritty half century. Zim 160-6 in 37.4 overs.

Raza was showing great form but an attempt to go for the big one fails as he finds Kumar in the deep. Harbhajan gets his first wicket. Zim 142-5 in 32.5 overs.

Sikandar Raza c Kumar b Harbhajan Singh 37 (33b 5x4 0x6)

Sean Williams b Patel 0 (2b 0x4 0x6)

Masakadza unluky to have got a bad bounce that took the top edge of his bat for an easy cattch to Tiwary. Zim 89-3 in 23 overs.

Hamilton Masakadza c Tiwary b Patel 34 (64b 4x4 0x6)

Zimbabwe need another 200 for eight wickets in 35 overs. Zim 56-2 in 15 overs.

Another wicket down for Zimbabwe as Sibanda departs. He hammered Binny down the line for a six before offering a catch to Harbhajan at mid-on. Ind 47-2 in 12.2 overs.

Vusi Sibanda c Harbhajan Singh b Binny 20 (35b 2x4 1x6)

Masakadza smashed two boundaries off Binny over as Zimbabwe reached 34-1 in 10 overs. A slow start but they have ensure they have lost just one wicket.

India strike early as Chibhabha is caught in the slip. Zim 16-1 in 4.5 overs.

Chamu Chibhabha c Rahane b Kumar 3 (12b 0x4 0x6)

Vusi Sibanda and Chamu Chibhabha open for Zimbabwe as Bhuvneshwar Kumar opens proceedings for India. 

INDIA INNINGS

Rayudu remains unbeaten on 124 as India reach 255 for six in 50 overs.

Finally Zimbabwe pick up a wicket as Binny gets an edge going for a big one. Great innings comes to an end as this partnership puts India in command. Ind 247-6 in 48.5 overs.

Fantastic innings as Rayudu glances it through the leg side for a boundary to reach his second ODI century. Ind 203 for five in 44.4 overs. 

Timely half century from Binny as India gain control of the match. His half century comes of 62 deliveries including nine boundaries. Ind 191-5 in 44.2 overs.

100 partnership comes up between Rayudu and Binny off 117 deliveries. Rayudu on 89 while Binny on 49.

Rayudu batting on 83 while Binny is on 32 as India reach 165 for five in 40 overs.

Partnership between Rayudu and Binny reaches half century coming off 67 balls. It came at a crucial time when India looked to be struggling. Ind 137-5 in 35.2 overs.

Half century for Rayudu. This is his sixth ODI half century. His innings came off 72 balls consisting of six boundaries.

Chibhabha has been bowling brilliantly and he is rewarded again for his consistency ending Jadhav. His attempt to cut the ball just finds an edge as wicketkeeper Mutumbami grabs it. Ind 87-5 in 24.2 overs.

Kedar Jadhav c Mutumbami b Chibhabha 5 (13b 1x4 0x6)

Brilliant piece of fielding from Sikandar Raza as Uthappa is run out. His call for a single at such a close range was not necessary considering the situation. Ind 77-4 in 21.3 overs.

Robin Uthappa run out 0 (3b 0x4 0x6)

India on the backfood as they lose another wicket. Tiwary is trapped in front off Chibhabha bowling. India putting themselves into trouble. Ind 74-3 in 20.4 overs.

Manoj Tiwary lbw b Chibhabha 2 (14b 0x4 0x6)

India are making a cautious progress scoring at just over three runs per over. Ind 74-2 in 20 overs.

A brilliant catch by Masakadza that sends Rahane packing. He was looking threatening. A big wicket for the hosts. Ind 60-2 in 17.2 overs.

Ajinkya Rahane c Masakadza b Tiripano 34 (49b 5x4 0x6)

Zimbabwe have made four changes to their One-Day International squad for the three-match series at home to India starting on Friday, including a return for Malcolm Waller.

The 30-year-old was left out of the World Cup earlier in the year, but returns as a middle-order hitter and occasional off-spin bowler.

Other players recalled are seam bowler Donald Tiripano, all-rounder Neville Madziva and wicketkeeper Regis Chakabva.

"In terms of balance, we have opted for nine batters, four seamers and two specialist spinners and our objective is to try and win the series. India has picked a strong side and we are taking them seriously," outgoing convener of selectors Givemore Makoni said in a press release from Zimbabwe Cricket on Wednesday.

With a slightly smaller squad for the home series, the five players dropped from the 16-man selection that toured Pakistan in May are Charles Coventry, Craig Ervine, Roy Kaia, Tawanda Mupariwa and Christopher Mpofu.

"Mpofu and Kaia will be considered for the next matches in the series and Charles Coventry is in the mix for the Twenty20 series. Ervine is still nursing a hamstring injury," Makoni added.

After Friday's opening match in Harare, the teams will play again on Sunday and next Tuesday at the same venue.

The teams will also play a two-match Twenty20 series starting July 17, with the second game two days later.

Squad: Elton Chigumbura (Captain), Sikandar Raza Butt, Regis Chakabva, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Graeme Cremer, Neville Madziva, Hamilton Masakadza, Richmond Mutumbami, Tinashe Panyangara, Vusimuzi Sibanda, Donald Tiripano, Prosper Utseya, Brian Vitori, Malcolm Waller and Sean Williams.

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