After going 12 One-Day innings without a half-century, the knock against Zimbabwe yesterday was a welcome return to form for Raina. PHOTO: AFP
After bowling Zimbabwe out for just 144, Rohit Sharma and Suresh Raina hit unbeaten half-centuries as India achieved their target inside 31 overs.
Debutant Cheteshwar Pujara was the only Indian batsman to lose his wicket when he was bowled by Tendai Chatara for 13, before Sharma and Raina were granted an easy return to form as they knocked off the remaining 122 runs.
Raina was promoted up the order and finished unbeaten on 65 from 71 deliveries. Although Sharma had failed to contribute in the first three matches, he was not troubled as he finished at 64 not out.
An 80-run partnership for the sixth wicket between half-centurion Elton Chigumbura and Malcolm Waller was as good as it got for Zimbabwe as they posted their lowest total of a disappointing series.
Man-of-the-match Mohit Sharma led the attack on his international debut, claiming one for 13 in his first six-over spell.
India will have the opportunity to complete a series whitewash when the final match takes place at the same venue tomorrow.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 2nd, 2013.
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