India’s stand-in captain KL Rahul admitted that being away from the game was really hard for him. The stylish batter had last played for the national team in the series against West Indies in February 2022. Rahul led India to convincing 10-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the first ODI at the Harare Sports Club, Harare on Thursday.
India came up with a dominating performance after Rahul won the toss and decided to bowl first. Deepak Chahar, also making his International comeback after a long layoff, struggled to find his mojo in the first few overs. However, swing fast bowler accounted for Tadiwanashe Marumani with a short ball to claim his first wicket.
Chahar then got Innocent Kaia caught behind and plumed Madhevere in front of the wickets. Mohammad Siraj, who bowled a terrific opening spell, also got rid of Sean Williams to leave Zimbabwe reeling at 31-4. The in-form Sikander Raza was then dismissed by Prasidh Krishna and the hosts kept losing wickets at regular intervals.
Zimbabwe were skittled out for a paltry score of 189 with Axar Patel, Deepak Chahar and Prasidh Krishna taking three wickets each. Shikhar Dhawan then scored an unbeaten knock of 81 runs while Shubman Gill remained undefeated on 82 as India chased down the target with 10 wickets in hand and 115 balls to spare. This is India’s 13th consecutive win over Zimbabwe in ODI format, which is their most successive wins against a particular team.
KL Rahul was delighted with team’s performance and heaped praise on the bowlers for doing a fine job.
KL Rahul said in the post-match presentation, “We do play a lot of cricket and injuries are going to be part of it. Being away from the game is really hard. It is a tough time and we worked together (me, Kuldeep and Deepak) in Bangalore. There was a bit of swing and seam movement as well, but it was good to see the bowlers stay disciplined and pick up those wickets. For a few of us, it is great to be back in the Indian dressing room. As a team we have been in good form, good to see that all of us are getting enough game time. Feels good to be out there.”
Meanwhile, KL Rahul decided not to open the innings and backed Shubman Gill and Shikhar Dhawan at the top of the order.
India will look to continue their dominance against the home team in the rest of the series. The second ODI will be played at the same venue on Saturday.
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