Zimbabwe vs. India, 1st ODI: Winners and Losers

It was an incredibly tight and tense first one-day international between hosts Zimbabwe and India in Harare, and the away side triumphed in the end by just four runs.

Several players shone, while several others had a day to forget in the first of three ODIs between Zimbabwe’s strongest side and India’s second-string team.

The game itself was not as high-scoring as some ODIs have been in recent months, so there were plenty of opportunities to see how players did under pressure.

Let’s take a look at some winners and losers from the first ODI.

Winner: Elton Chigumbura

K.M. Chaudary/Associated Press

In Zimbabwe’s run chase of 256 to win, they needed a batsman to step up, and Elton Chigumbura did just that as he made 104 not out from 101 balls.

It was not quite enough to take the hosts to victory, but it got them mightily close and showed just what he is capable of.

Loser: Robin Uthappa

A.M. Ahad/Associated Press

Keeping wicket and batting in the middle order in the absence of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, this was the perfect opportunity for Robin Uthappa to prove himself as a successor to Dhoni.

Unfortunately, he wasted what will likely be the first of three chances, as he was dismissed for a three-ball duck then conceded eight byes with the gloves.

Winner: Ambati Rayudu

Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi/Associated Press

India batted first but had a few problems as they stumbled to 87 for five, with their middle order collapsing in the face of some disciplined Zimbabwe bowling.

However, Ambati Rayudu came to the rescue as he made 124 not out from 133 deliveries in the crucial position at three to at least give his side’s total some respectability.

Loser: Dhawal Kulkarni

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

Seamer Dhawal Kulkarni opened the bowling for India but struggled to keep his economy rate down as he ended with figures of one for 60 in nine overs.

He struggled to cope with Chigumbura especially and will count himself fortunate to have helped his side hold on for the win.

Winner: Stuart Binny

Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi/Associated Press

The other India batsman to impress was Stuart Binny at seven, who made 77 from 76 balls to support Rayudu well.

He then impressed with the ball as he took two for 54 from 10 overs to complete what was a strong all-around performance.

Loser: Murali Vijay

Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi/Associated Press

Opening batsman Murali Vijay is highly rated by India, but he failed here dramatically as he made one run from nine balls in what was something of a tortured innings.

He has so much to offer in all forms of the game, but his departure contributed to a dangerous batting collapse that could have cost India the game.