India’s tour of Zimbabwe in 2015 – Online
A second-string Team India under the leadership of its limited-overs skipper MS Dhoni has arrived in Zimbabwe for a limited overs tour.
The Men in Blue will be playing three ODIs and as many T20 Internationals against Zimbabwe between June 11 and 22, with all the matches scheduled to be played at Harare Sports Club.
The tour holds importance for both skipper MS Dhoni and India’s perspectives. MS Dhoni has a chance to complete his 10,000 runs in ODIs and better his winning percentage overseas.
For India, which is full of debutants and new faces, it will be an opportunity to test its bench strength. Historically, the Men in Blue have enjoyed an upper hand over Zimbabwe, but some encounters between the two sides have had their share of excitement and setbacks. India-Zimbabwe have locked horns on 60 occasions since 1983.
India have won 49 matches and Zimbabwe came out victorious on 10 occasions, while one match remained without result.
Here are some interesting encounters between the two sides, remembered for the quality of the game, irrespective of end results.
1983 Prudential World Cup: When Kapil Dev stunned the world
This ODI game (60-over match) was played on 18 June 1983, which India won by 31 runs. This match is best remembered for India skipper Kapil Dev’s match-winning innings. The India all-rounder made a world record by slamming 175* off 138 balls, an innings which is still remembered by Indian cricket fans. His hurricane innings contained 16 fours and 6 sixes. Kapil and Syed Kirmani participated in a record 126-run partnership for the ninth-wicket when the side was reeling at 140/8 at one stage.
Brief Scores: India: 266/8 in 60 overs; Kapil Dev: 175*, Syed Kirmani: 24* Zimbabwe: 235 (all out; 57 overs); R Brown: 35, Kevin Curran: 73, Madan Lal 3/42. India won by 31 runs. 2. Coca-Cola
Champions Trophy, League Match: Olonga’s exploits rattled India
This was the 6th league match played at Sharjah, Nov 11, 1998. Zimbabwe defeated tournament favourites India by 13 runs in the low scoring match thanks to the fiery spell by Henry Olonga. The pacer’s match winning figures of 4/46, which included the important wickets of Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Ajay Jadeja, demolished the Indian batting line-up. Zimbabwe eventually qualified into the finals after winning this match to fix a summit clash with Men In Blue.
Brief Scores: Zimbabwe: 205/7 in 50 overs; Alastair Campbell: 83, Sunil Joshi 2/43 (9 overs). India: 192 (all out; 47.4 overs); Robin Singh: 49*, Nikhil Chopra: 39, Henry Olonga: 4/46 (8 overs). Zimbabwe beat India by 13 runs.
Coca-Cola Champions Trophy-Final: When Tendulkar reminded Zim he’s the best
This was one of the many matches in which Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar showed opposition bowlers why he was the most feared batsman in ODIs and proved he’s Team India’s biggest match winner. The Indian opener hammered 124 off 92 balls to ensure India one of its biggest wins in a final match of any tournament. The game was played on Nov 13, 1998 at Sharjah.
After suffering a humiliating defeat against the same opponents just two days back, India first restricted Zimbabwe to 196. Coming in to bat, India’s best opening duo of Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar ensured a sweet revenge and ensured a 10-wicket victory. Tendulkar targeted the previous match’s hero Olonga, who could even complete his full quota of 10 overs. Olonga went for 0/50 in six overs.
Brief Scores: Zimbabwe: 196/9 in 50 overs; Paul Strang: 46, Javagal Srinath 3/40 (10 overs). India: 197 (0 wickets in 30 overs); Sachin Tendulkar: 124* (92 balls), Sourav Ganguly: 63* (90 balls), Heath Streak: 0/17 (4 overs), Olonga: 0/50 (6 overs) India won the match by 10 wickets, with 120 balls to spare and lift Coca-Cola Champions Trophy.
ICC World Cup 1999: Biggest setback for India in WC
This match was played on May 19, 1999 in which ‘minnows’ Zimbabwe defeated India by three runs to dampen its WC campaign. This was India’s first defeat at the hands of Zimbabwe in a WC match held in England.
Brief Scores: Zimbabwe: 252/9 in 50 overs; Andy Flower: 68, Javagal Srinath 2/35 (10 overs). India: 249/ (all out in 45 overs); Sadagopan Ramesh: 55, Ajay Jadeja: 43 (76 balls), Heath Streak: 0/17 (4 overs), Olonga: 3/22 (4 overs) Zimbabwe beat India by 3 runs.
Zimbabwe tour of India, 1st ODI: At Faridabad, Mar 7, 2002
This match is remembered for Douglas Marillier’s explosive 50, which scripted a thrilling victory for Zimbabwe in the very last over. Chasing a daunting total of 277, the guests defeated India by one wicket with two balls remaining. Marillier’s 50 runs came off just 21 balls, which laid the foundation for his side’s victory.
Brief Scores: India: 274/ (6 wickets in 50 overs); VVS Laxman: 75, Sourav Ganguly: 57, Heath Streak: 2/53 (10 overs) Zimbabwe: 277/9 in 49.4 overs; Alastair Campbell: 84, Andy Flower: 71, Zaheer Khan 4/47 (10 overs). Zimbabwe beat India by 1 wicket with 2 balls to spare.
Zimbabwe Triangular Series: At Bulawayo, May 28, 2010
Rohit Sharma’s valiant hundred went in vain as a second string Team India led by Suresh Raina lost the opening match of the tri-nation series by six wickets (with 10 balls remaining).
Brief Scores: India: 285/5 wickets (50 overs); Rohit Sharma: 114, Ravindra Jadeja: 61*, Chris Mpofu: 2/63 (10 overs) Zimbabwe: 289/4 in 48.2 overs; Brendon Taylor: 81, Craig Ervine: 67, Vinay Kumar 2/51 (8 overs). Zimbabwe beat India by 6 wickets with 10 balls to spare. – One India News