Zimbabwe Cricket

Zimbabwe take on Afghanistan in the fourth and final one-day international of their series, which is interestingly poised at 2-1 in favour of the hosts.

The Afghans will be determined to take victory in the last match to prove they are worthy of a place at the top table of international cricket.

Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

Date: Thursday, July 24

Start time: 8:00 a.m. BST

Live on: Sky Sports highlights (U.K.), DSTV (Zimbabwe), 1TV (Afghanistan), Star Cricket (India), ESPN Sports (Australia).

Weather: According to Weather.com, it will be a sunny day in Bulawayo, with temperatures due to peak at 26 degrees Celsius.

Overview

After Zimbabwe won the first two ODIs, they were brought back down to Earth with a bump, as they were defeated by two wickets with two balls remaining in the third game.

The hosts batted first and made 261-8, thanks in large part to 84 from Hamilton Masakadza and 53 from captain Brendan Taylor.

Dawlat Zadran and Aftab Alam led Afghanistan’s bowlers with two wickets apiece and restricted the Zimbabweans to a very gettable total.

In reply, Javed Ahmadi hit 56 from 57 balls at the top of the order, but a couple of mini batting collapses looked to have taken the game away from the Afghans.

However, Zadran became a hero with the bat as he hit 24 from 21 balls, including a six to win the game in the final over with just two wickets in hand.

It sets up an intriguing finale between these two sides, with Afghanistan very much in the hunt to come away with a share of the spoils.

Team News

Zimbabwe (from): Brendan Taylor (capt), Sikandar Raza Butt, Regis Chakabva , Tendai Chatara , Elton Chigumbura, Hamilton Masakadza, Shingirai Masakadza, Tinotenda Mawoyo, Natsai M'shangwe, Tinashe Panyangara, Vusimuzi Sibanda, Prosper Utseya, Brian Vitori, Malcolm Waller, Sean Williams, Donald Tiripano, John Nyumbu, Mark Vermeulen, Timycen Maruma, Richmond Mutumbami, Michael Chinouya.

Afghanistan (from): Mohammad Nabi (capt), Aftab Alam, Asghar Stanikzai, Dawlat Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Hashmatullah Shaidi, Javed Ahmadi, Mirwais Ashraf, Nasir Jamal, Noor Ali Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Samiullah Shenwari, Shafiqullah, Shapoor Zadran, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Usman Ghani.

Key Players

Tendai Chatara

Only 23 years of age, Chatara has a crucial role with the new ball as one of Zimbabwe’s leading seamers.

If he can keep his economy rate low, his side will be in a great position to win.

Mohammad Nabi

One of Afghanistan’s best players as well as their captain, Mohammad Nabi will need everything in his game to go right if his side are to emerge victorious.

His aggressive 42 was crucial in their win last time out, and he will be looking for more of the same.

Zimbabwe will be full of confidence after chasing down Afghanistan's total at a canter in the 1st ODI and will look for more of the same second time around in Bulawayo. Afghanistan will hope to bounce back and keep themselves in the four-game series.

The two sides will be hoping for more from their top order, with both innings getting off to disappointing starts before the middle order batsmen clicked to put runs on the board. Whoever bats first will be looking to get off to a better start to build an imposing total that will put pressure on the openers leading the run chase in the second half of the game.

Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Date: Sunday, July 20, 2014

Start time: 9:00 a.m. local time, 8:00 a.m. BST

Weather: Another sun-kissed day in Bulawayo according to BBC Weather, with clouds clearing by 11:00 a.m. and the temperature peaking at 21 degrees Celsius in mid-afternoon.

Live stream/TV Info: Sky Sports but only highlights (U.K.), DSTV (Zimbabwe), 1TV (Afghanistan), Star Cricket (India), ESPN Sports (Australia).

Preview

Zimbabwe came into this series having not played an ODI since August last year, but they betrayed any signs of rust with a convincing victory in the first game of the series. Set 244 to win, they reached their target with more than four overs to spare and six wickets in hand.

After an early wobble that left them 27/2 in the 10th over, Sikandar Raza anchored the innings with a responsible 42 not out from 61 deliveries, ably supported by skipper Brendan Taylor, who made 43 runs at a slightly quicker rate. This platform enabled Sean Williams to strike an eye-catching 70 from 65 balls as the home side romped home with 34 balls to spare.

Afghanistan can take heart from the way they battled back from their own poor start to post a respectable total, albeit one that was comfortably chased down. Opener Noor Ali Zadran clung on gamely to eke out 43 runs from 107 balls, his slow rate a necessity as wickets fell at the other end, the rest of the top order falling away cheaply.

At 56/3 in the 19th over, a match-winning total seemed a distant hope, but Afghanistan's middle order sparked the innings into life. Samiullah Shenwari and Mohammad Nabi both found their range to clear the boundary on the way to a pair of fifties, and wicketkeeper Shafiqullah joined them with some useful late-order hitting.

To make the most of their effective middle order, Afghanistan will hope their bowlers can regain the incisiveness shown at times in the Asia Cup, where they bowled out Bangladesh for 222 and regularly took wickets against Pakistan and eventual winners Sri Lanka, albeit the latter two were in losing causes.

Both sides will hope to avoid the top order struggles that put them on the back foot early on. Afghanistan will be looking to 17-year-old Usman Ghani to rediscover the form that brought him back-to-back fifties in his first two ODIs, and Zimbabwe will be expecting greater things of experienced duo Vusi Sibanda and Hamilton Masakadza, veterans of more than 100 ODIs each with over 6,000 runs between them.

If both sides can provide a solid platform for their middle-order batsman to play with freedom and bring the fireworks later in the innings, it should make for an entertaining and close-fought battle.

Key Players

Zimbabwe

The hugely experienced Hamilton Masakadza will hope to atone for a disappointing first game where he made 10 from 22 balls, hitting two boundaries but struggling for the most part to get the bowling away for runs. Nonetheless, he possesses undoubted class at the crease. He has made three international hundreds in both Test and ODI cricket in addition to 20 ODI half centuries in his 130 appearances for Zimbabwe. Many of their most notable recent victories have been built on the foundation of commanding innings from Masakadza. He struck an impressive 85 to set up a successful run chase against Pakistan last August, and Afghanistan will be wary of the threat he poses after he flogged them for 93 from just 52 balls in a World T20 warm-up game just four months ago.

Afghanistan

Skipper Mohammad Nabi has obvious calibre, having impressed Mike Gatting as a youngster to earn himself a stint with the MCC Young Cricketers programme. He top-scored in his first MCC game with 43 against a Sri Lanka A side containing six players of international pedigree, and was his side's standout performer with the bat in the first game in Bulawayo. Nabi's 54 runs came from just 34 balls with three fours and three sixes, injecting some much-needed urgency into Afghanistan's batting. His useful off-spin was also worth a wicket at fewer runs per over than all bar the opening bowler Shapoor Zadran. If Afghanistan are going to fight their way back to level terms, they need their captain to lead the way.

Squads

Zimbabwe (from): Brendan Taylor (capt and wk) Sikandar Raza Butt, Regis Chakabva , Tendai Chatara , Elton Chigumbura, Hamilton Masakadza, Shingirai Masakadza, Tinotenda Mawoyo, Natsai M'shangwe, Tinashe Panyangara, Vusimuzi Sibanda, Prosper Utseya, Brian Vitori, Malcolm Waller, Sean Williams, Donald Tiripano, John Nyumbu, Mark Vermeulen, Timycen Maruma, Richmond Mutumbami, Michael Chinouya.

Afghanistan (from): Mohammad Nabi (capt), Aftab Alam, Asghar Stanikzai, Dawlat Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Hashmatullah Shaidi, Javed Ahmadi, Mirwais Ashraf, Nasir Jamal, Noor Ali Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Samiullah Shenwari, Shafiqullah (wk), Shapoor Zadran, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Usman Ghani.

The Netherlands and Zimbabwe continue their Group B campaigns in the World Twenty20 on Wednesday, with both experiencing differing fortunes in their first matches.

Venue: Sylhet Stadium

Date: Wednesday, March 19

Start time: 9.30 a.m. GMT

Live on: Sky Sports (U.K.), Fox Sports (Australia), Super Sport (South Africa), BTV (Bangladesh), PTV Sports (Pakistan), Star India (India), SLBC (Sri Lanka), ESPN3 (USA)

Weather: According to Weather.com, Sylhet promises to be mostly sunny with temperatures reaching 34 degrees Celsius.

Overview

The Netherlands enjoyed a strong start to the World T20 with a six-wicket win over the United Arab Emirates on Monday.

Batting first, UAE made 151 all out from 19.5 overs at a healthy rate of 7.61 runs per over.

The Dutch bowling effort was led by Ahsan Malik, who took 3-16, while Timm van der Gugten and Tom Cooper took two apiece.

In reply, the Netherlands started fast as Stephan Myburgh and Michael Swart put on 69 for the first wicket.

Swart fell for 26, but 24 from Wesley Barresi and an unbeaten 34 from Cooper helped take the Dutch home.

Myburgh led the way, however, with 55 from 36 balls to build his side a strong platform to take the win.

Things were different for Zimbabwe, who lost their first game against Ireland by three wickets from the last ball.

The Zimbabweans batted first and made 163-5 from their 20 overs, thanks in large part to 59 from captain Brendan Taylor.

In reply, Ireland started well but were then stymied by the tight bowling of Tendai Chatara and Sean Williams.

However, the Irish prevailed off the last ball as they ran through for a bye, meaning they took a tense victory.

Tinashe Panyangara led Zimbabwe’s bowling effort with 4-37 from his four overs, an impressive achievement given his first over went for 18 runs.

This match will therefore be crucial for both sides, as they look to gain what could be an all-important victory in the race for the Super 10 stage.

Team News

Netherlands (from): Peter Borren (captain), Wesley Barresi, Logan van Beek, Mudassar Bukhari, Ben Cooper, Tim Gruijters, Timm van der Gugten, Tom Heggelman, Vivian Kingma, Ahsan Malik, Stephan Myburgh, Michael Rippon, Pieter Seelaar, Michael Swart, Eric Szwarczynski

Zimbabwe (from): Brendan Taylor (capt), Sikandar Raza, Tendai Chatara, Elton Chigumbura, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Timycen Maruma, Hamilton Masakadza, Shingi Masakadza, Natsai M'shangwe, Tinashe Panyangara, Vusi Sibanda, Prosper Utseya, Brian Vitori, Malcolm Waller, Sean Williams

Key Players

Stephan Myburgh

In the Netherlands’ first game against the United Arab Emirates, their run chase was led by opener Myburgh, who scored 55 from 36 balls.

He will be looking to build on that performance in what is sure to be a tougher test.

Tinashe Panyangara

Zimbabwe failed to beat Ireland first time out, but the four wickets from Panyangara will give them plenty of hope.

He may have been a little on the expensive side, but the Zimbabweans will need his wicket-taking ability to help restrict their opponents with the bat.

Ireland celebrated St Patrick’s Day with a dramatic three-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in their World T20 opener in Sylhet.

Ireland, who won the toss and elected to field at the Sylhet Stadium, could only restrict Zimbabwe to 163-5.

Paul Stirling scored 60 in their reply and Ireland needed just eight off the final two overs. However, they almost made a mess of it before scampering a bye off the final ball.

Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor powered his side’s innings with 59 from 46 balls which featured six boundaries and two sixes.

The Zimmies looked strong at 56/1 after six overs, but spinners George Dockrell and Andy McBrine curbed the run rate on a slow pitch, picking up two wickets apiece.

However, Elton Chigumbura hit two sixes off the final over to boost the Zimbabwe total.

Stirling and William Porterfield put on 80 for the opening wicket to give Ireland a great start before the captain was dismissed for 31 in the ninth over.

Stirling hit nine fours and a six in his 34-ball knock before Sikandar Raza took a steepling catch off Tendai Chatara in the 11th over.

Ireland's total was 100 at that point and cameos from Andrew Poynter (23) and Kevin O'Brien (17) took them to the brink with just four required off the final over.

However, Ed Joyce (21) was bowled by Tinashe Panyangara and the scores were tied going into the final ball. Alex Cusack failed to make contact but Zimbabwe keeper Taylor failed to hit the stumps with his throw and Stuart Thompson made his ground.

Porterfield's side are now in prime position to reach the Super 10 phase of the tournament from Group B.

Wins against the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday and the Netherlands on Friday will see them join South Africa, Sri Lanka, England and New Zealand in Group 1.

Despite only being an Associate Nation, Ireland reached the Super Eights in 2009, while full member Zimbabwe have managed just one win in their World T20 history.

Ireland and Zimbabwe commence their Group B campaigns in the World T20 on Monday, with both hoping to make a winning start in what could be a key game.

Venue: Sylhet Stadium

Date: Monday, March 17

Start time: 9:30 a.m. GMT

Live on: Sky Sports (UK), Fox Sports (Australia), Super Sport (South Africa), BTV (Bangladesh), PTV Sports (Pakistan), Star India (India), SLBC (Sri Lanka), ESPN3 (USA)

Weather: According to Weather.com, Sylhet should be very sunny and very warm, with temperatures reaching highs of 34 degrees Celsius.

Overview

The opening match of Group B sees two teams facing each other with realistic aims of qualifying for the Super 10 and facing ICC Full Members in the latter stages.

For Ireland, this is the fourth consecutive World T20 they have qualified for, having won last year’s qualification tournament without losing a game.

The Irish bring a strong squad to this tournament, including the explosive Kevin O’Brien, Niall O’Brien and captain William Porterfield.

Coming off an encouraging display in the Caribbean against the West Indies, Ireland have already been victorious in Bangladesh as they overcame Nepal by five wickets in a warm-up game.

George Dockrell, Andy McBrine and Kevin O’Brien each took two wickets while Max Sorensen took one as Nepal were restricted to 137-7 from their 20 overs.

In reply, Ireland rarely looked troubled as they reached their target with five balls remaining and just five wickets down.

Zimbabwe have not had such happy preparation for this tournament, and they found themselves on the end of a four-wicket defeat to minnows Hong Kong in their warm-up game.

The Zimbabweans batted first and made 153-7, led by 45 not out by Elton Chigumbura, 32 by Sikandar Raza and 31 by Vusi Sibanda.

Hong Kong chased down their target very well, but it went down to the last ball with one run still required for the win.

However, Mark Chapman hit that ball for six to end on 53 not out and help his side to a famous victory.

For Zimbabwe, Prosper Utseya led the bowling effort with 3-19, with Tendai Chatara, Tinashe Panyangara and Natsai Mushangwe taking one apiece.

With both sides having such differing fortunes already, it promises to be an absorbing encounter between two evenly-matched teams.

Team News

Ireland (from): William Porterfield (capt), Alex Cusack, George Dockrell, Ed Joyce, Andrew McBrine, Tim Murtagh, Kevin O'Brien, Niall O'Brien, Andrew Poynter, Max Sorensen, James Shannon, Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson, Gary Wilson, Craig Young.

Zimbabwe (from): Brendan Taylor (capt), Sikandar Raza, Tendai Chatara, Elton Chigumbura, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Timycen Maruma, Hamilton Masakadza, Shingi Masakadza, Natsai M'shangwe, Tinashe Panyangara, Vusi Sibanda, Prosper Utseya, Brian Vitori, Malcolm Waller, Sean Williams

Key Players

George Dockrell

On the turning pitches of Bangladesh, Ireland’s premier spinner George Dockrell will be crucial with his left-armers.

The 21-year-old has already shown himself to be a bowler of great promise, and he will see the matches here as an opportunity to prove himself once again.

Brendan Taylor

If Zimbabwe are to be successful in this game, captain Brendan Taylor will likely be relied upon for runs and strong leadership.

His side have not won at the World T20 since 2007, and Taylor will want that poor run of form to end as soon as possible.

Sometime this week, Zimbabwe would’ve been in the middle of their ODI series with Sri Lanka.

If luck had gone their way, they might’ve tasted some success in the Test series that preceded this and performed admirably in the 50-over format. A shock result in the Twenty20 series that is to follow could not be ruled out.

After all, following the thrashing against India, the hosts had come close to upsetting Pakistan in the Twenty20s, pulled one off in the opening ODI and squared the Test series 1-1 with a 24-run win.

Sri Lanka aren’t as formidable after the departure of Muttiah Muralitharan, so who knows what could’ve happened. Adrenaline and confidence does wonders on the cricket field.

But none of that matters as there is no series taking place anyway. Sri Lanka were scheduled to tour from October 6 to November 4 for two Tests, three ODIs and two T20s, but the hosts sought postponement “due to unavoidable circumstances.” The culprit: lack of finances.

Lack of finances to blame

Zimbabwe players threatened to pull out of the ODI series and then the second Test due to unpaid dues.

The matches did go ahead as expected—how Pakistan players and fans hoped they hadn’t—and part payment was reportedly made to the players, but hosting the two subcontinent giants in quick succession drained out Zimbabwe Cricket’s resources. As things stood, they couldn’t afford to host Sri Lanka as well and none of the bigger teams want to host Zimbabwe.

Cricket and teams do need to be run as a business—and that’s where the BCCI is taking lead—but what happens when the sport, and talented but neglected players, are cast aside into the wilderness because the series might not “excite the sponsors”?

Following the wins over Pakistan, Zimbabwe players did set a difficult precedent for themselves—of not only being competitive in future fixtures but also emulating their recent feats against bigger, better opposition.

But their next Test series isn’t likely to take place before July. And that is where all the ambition, the adrenaline and the hard work falls flat on its face. How will Zimbabwe, a team comprising exciting youngsters and talented seniors, manage to back up their Test win with something to talk about when there isn’t another Test for such a long time?

"You can forget what it feels like to win," coach Andy Waller told ESPNCricinfo following the Test win over Pakistan. "It's hard for the guys because we believe we can compete against sides. We'll just have to work hard in the nets and get better for when we play again."

Zimbabwe’s debt rising with each series

But that is where Zimbabwe’s competitors need to step in.

According to ESPNCricinfo, Zimbabwe Cricket’s debt is a staggering $18m and that number increases with each series they host. Other Test nations aren’t willing to host Zimbabwe because, financially, the series will not be appealing. Zimbabwe players, the ground staff and the coaches await their salaries.

There just isn’t enough cash coming in to settle the mess. In the midst of it all, Zimbabwe’s Test cricket, with much promise shown against Pakistan, suffers the most as the players twiddle their thumbs.
The postponement was bad news for Sri Lanka as well, another cricket board not doing well financially.

Their Twenty20 league was also called off earlier this year and debts keep increasing. Its players, too, complained of not being paid around the 2011 World Cup, when the cost of co-hosting grew too big on SLC.

Zimbabwe might host Afghanistan early next year ahead of the World Twenty20, and although that tour will not comprise Test matches, it is a ray of hope nonetheless.  

“We are exploring the possibility of Afghanistan touring Zimbabwe,” ZC’s media and communications manager Lovemore Banda told NewsDay Sport. “It would come in as part of our preparations for the World Twenty20 next year. Secondly, as a Full Member of the ICC, we are fully behind the organisation’s (ICC’s) objective of growing the game globally through tours between the FMCs and the Associates such as Afghanistan.”

July 2014 is still over nine months away. Invaluable lessons from the India and Pakistan series will be lost by then. Zimbabwe might even lose some players too. The 50-over World Cup will be played a few months after that. Teams will be in preparation for that mega event. We wait and see if Zimbabwe get their chance against South Africa, but, until then, cricket suffers a setback as the ‘minnows’ are sidelined through no fault of their own.

"Coming from the ghetto to here, it just feels nice to contribute," said Tendai Chatara in the post-match press conference as the dust started to settle on Zimbabwe’s shock Test win over Pakistan in Harare, as reported by Cricinfo.

Not many had expected such a result from Zimbabwe who had been mauled by India in the limited-overs series just weeks ago. The tourists, unlike Pakistan, had also rested key seniors, opting to groom their future captain as well as youngsters who had a role to play in the years to come.

With a strong Pakistan lineup in all three formats, close shaves at best were what the cricket world—including Zimbabwe supporters—would have anticipated. A seven-wicket win in the opening ODI and a 24-run shocker in the second Test would have been beyond their wildest dreams.

But realise their potential, target Pakistan’s frailty and fear and contribute they did. In the end, apart from the terrific dressing room celebrations, the win has set a thorny precedent for Zimbabwe cricketers—of not only being competitive in the fixtures to come but also emulate their recent feats against bigger, better opposition.

So where does Zimbabwe cricket go from here, especially as they celebrate their return to the Test arena? Nowhere right now, unfortunately. Their next Test series isn’t likely to take place before next July.

They say you need to keep the cogs well-oiled and turning when things are going well. But how will Zimbabwe manage to back up their Test win with something to talk about when there isn’t another Test for such a long time?

Zimbabwe’s Test record has been patchy of late. They don’t possess the world-class talent they once did. There is no Andy Flower, Grant Flower is restricted to the dressing room, Heath Streak was shown the door given the financial constraints and names like Henry Olonga, Ray Price and Neil Johnson are all in the past.

But perhaps this is where Zimbabwe—with the urge to make a name for themselves and the willingness to "contribute"—have an edge over the opposition, especially a confused Pakistan setup fighting mind versus orders.

In 93 Tests played to date, Zimbabwe have managed wins over their Asian competitors only—six against Bangladesh, two over India and three against Pakistan. Most of them came in the golden days when the above-mentioned few formed the core of a strong Zimbabwe lineup. But has the current crop not got the potential to emulate their predecessors? We will only find out when the cricket world stops shunning them.

"You can forget what it feels like to win," said coach Andy Waller following the Test win over Pakistan, reported by Cricinfo. "It's hard for the guys because we believe we can compete against sides. We'll just have to work hard in the nets and get better for when we play again."

But that is where Zimbabwe’s competitors—the Test-playing nations—need to step in. According to ESPNCricinfo, Zimbabwe Cricket is $18m in debt and losing further with each series they host. Other teams aren’t willing to host them because it doesn’t work out financially for them.

Zimbabwe players, the ground staff and the coaches await their salaries. There just isn’t enough cash coming in to settle the mess. In the midst of it all, Zimbabwe’s Test cricket, with much promise shown against Pakistan, suffers the most.

Surprising as it was, Zimbabwe’s Test win against Pakistan was courtesy of the tourists’ poor approach and cautious batting as well. Zimbabwe were best when they kept it simple—it allowed them to be consistent in their approach and increased the pressure on Pakistan.

They played Saeed Ajmal well on most occasions and respected Junaid Khan as he should have been. Hamilton Masakadza’s knocks in the second Test were apt illustration of how to survive a torrid opening spell and build an innings.

However, Pakistan’s timid approach also gave Zimbabwe a false sense of assurance when it came to their bowling department. Brian Vitori, Chatara and Tinashe Panyangara bowled well to trouble the batsmen but will they be able to stand up against better, fearless opposition? Prosper Utseya hasn’t played much Test cricket and it showed, in batches, of why he hasn’t.

Zimbabwe need to improve their bowling. They need adequate backup, they need extra pace and they need someone to replace the retired Price. With that, they need the belief of rubbing shoulders with the big boys.

Quite often in the past, Zimbabwe has set foot in the door, only to panic and have that door firmly shut in their face. They knocked at it again, managed a squeal but with the same results. The win has given them a firm grip on the handle.

We wait and see whether the grip is as firm 10 months later as it was last week.

Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Date: Thursday Aug 1
Time: 08:00 BST
Current series scoreline: 0-3

Thursday sees the fourth one-day international in the current five-match series between Zimbabwe and world champions India at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.

The tourists, led by stand-in skipper Virat Kohli, will be eyeing a 5-0 clean sweep from the final two ODIs after comprehensively winning the opening three encounters that were all played at the Harare Sports Club last week.

Conversely, the home team captained by middle-order batsman Brendan Taylor will be hoping to salvage some pride, although the manner in which they have been outplayed does not bode well for the remaining two contests.

The opening match of the series last Wednesday saw India triumph comfortably by six wickets with 31 balls to spare thanks to a near-perfect century from captain Kohli, the 15th ODI ton for the experienced No. 3.

Of greater significance was the eye-catching debut of India No. 4 Ambati Rayudu, who in the absence of other big-name middle-order batsmen, grabbed his opportunity to shine by seeing the tourists over the line with a mature 63 not out that bodes well for the future.

"It feels marvellous. It's been pretty emotional. More than nervous, I was very emotional," said the 27-year-old right hander of his maiden international innings.

Two days later, a closer encounter took place between these two nations at opposite ends of the International Cricket Council ODI rankings, although it ended in the same result, a win for India by 58 runs.

This time it was the new superstar of international cricket, dashing India opener Shikhar Dhawan, who lit up proceedings with the third limited-overs century of his brief international career to date.

The free-scoring left hander may have had plenty of luck after being dropped more than once by Zimbabwe's accommodating fielders, but the 27-year-old took full advantage by recording an eye-catching 116 from 127 balls, hitting 11 fours and two sixes.

With stand-in wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik also adding a quick-fire 69, the visitors set their hosts a daunting 295 to win, a target they never looked like reaching after the bowling efforts of new boy Jaydev Unadkat.

The 21-year-old left-arm paceman, who like Rayudu also made his ODI debut in the first game, picked up the first two wickets to stall early Zimbabwe momentum on his way to impressive figures of four for 41 from 10 overs, including three maidens.

Afterwards, man-of-the-match Dhawan admitted that: “I was just fortunate enough that they dropped my catches today,” before adding: “Our team is gelling really nicely. All the young boys are very fit and really good in the field. Fielding wise, we have really improved a lot. I feel like everything is working our way."

That left Taylor’s men having to win Sunday’s third ODI to keep the series alive, but the home side crumbled to their worst defeat of the series to date after losing the toss and being asked to bat.

This time it was the loopy leg spin of experienced wrist spinner Amit Mishra that was the hosts’ undoing. The tweaker returned man-of-the-match figures of four for 47 from 10 overs as Zimbabwe were rolled over for 183 in only 46 overs. None of their players managed a half century.

India strolled to victory with a mammoth 87 balls to spare and seven wickets in hand thanks to yet another fine knock from the in-form Kohli, who remained unbeaten on 68.

Taylor was honest enough to admit that: “"I think [the problem is] mental toughness. I don't think we're mentally sharp enough. We're just not making the precise decisions at the right time and not putting a real price on our wickets. Too many soft dismissals.”

Conditions in Bulawayo for the remaining two games should prove similar to those in the capital.

That means pitches that favour the batsmen, although Taylor did warn that: "Bulawayo is a bit more friendly in the morning to the batters, though there was a bit there against Bangladesh not too long ago so each side may have to be up against the ball nipping around a little bit.

"But that generally burns off pretty quickly and then it gets really good to bat on."

Zimbabwe are going to need to raise their all-round game significantly if they are to avoid the ignominy of a 5-0 whitewash.

Follow @Richiereds1976

Amidst the frenetic Twenty20 Champions League and Trinidad&Tobago's exploits in India, a one day series in Zimbabwe has gone almost unnoticed.  This is not unexpected of course: it’s hard to summon enough motivation to follow a discredited cricket nation when the likes of Lindell Simmons, Dwayne Bravo and the magnificent Kieron Pollard are wrecking havoc against more established names in world cricket.

And yet just this afternoon Masakadza hit a magnificent 178 off 169 balls   against Kenya in what turning out to be a 4-1 demolition in the five match series. This is by no means mere statistic against a weak cricket nation: Gary Kirsten’s highest one day score of 188 came of the United Arab Emirates a little over 13 years ago.  

Masakadza reckoning has not come by accident. In his last 15 innings alone  in one day internationals the 25-year-old has scored a mammoth 710 runs at  an average of 55 runs, amounting to over a third of the of the 2100 one day runs in total  he has scored.

At 936 runs this year, he is the world’s leading scorer in one day internationals, four ahead of Australia’s Ricky Ponting. Seldom have batsman come so green, against any opposition.

As a 17-year-old schoolboy Masakadza became the youngest batsman to score a Test century on debut – 119 runs against the West Indies in 2001.

I have keenly followed his career since and a few months after that magnificent innings he defied Makhaya Ntini, Shaun Pollock and Claude Henderson to score 13, 85, 13 and an unbeaten 42 in the space of two test and four innings against South Africa.

Then followed an abysmal low of which the deepest depths came when he was dropped for the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies. It was a controversial decision and I didn’t agree with it. But no matter: this is a batman who will one day break all of Zimbabwe Test batting records, Dave Houghton and Andy Flower’s.

The real test will doubtless come in the cauldrons of test cricket in two or three years time amidst the feisty bowling of Dale Steyn, Mitchell Johnson, Lasith Malinga and whoever new gem the likes of South Africa, India and Pakistan would have uncovered in that time.

But the platform has been laid.