da bet7： The comprehensive win in the second one-dayer must have done theIndian team a world of good, coming as it did immediately after theshock defeat at Faridabad
Erapalli Prasanna11-Mar-2002The comprehensive win in the second one-dayer must have done theIndian team a world of good, coming as it did immediately after theshock defeat at Faridabad. Sourav Ganguly’s men were in command rightfrom the moment they elected to bat on a slightly sluggish yet goodbatting wicket at Mohali. That said, I must add that the Zimbabweansshowed a lot of courage and determination while unsuccessfullyattempting to run down a massive victory target.
© CricInfoI thought the Indians paced their innings in an impressive manner inthe afternoon. Both Sourav Ganguly and Dinesh Mongia batted brisklybefore Mongia’s judicious and well-planned innings came to an end.Ganguly, however, continued to bleed the listless Zimbabwean bowlingattack dry. During his 83-ball 86, he looked the king of all hesurveyed. I couldn’t help but feel at this stage that the visitors hadbecome a trifle complacent after their spectacular comeback win atFaridabad.After the galloping start that the openers had provided, the move tosend VVS Laxman in at No. 3 was definitely a poor one. It was furthercompounded by Rahul Dravid being sent in as No. 4. I have but thehighest regard for Dravid the batsman but unfortunately the scoreboarddoes dawdle when he is at the crease. It would be appreciated if theIndian think-tank shuffles the batting order in keeping with thedemands of the situation.Getting back to the match, it was refreshing to see Laxman and Dravidscoring runs at a handsome clip for once. Dravid, who is always eagerto assimilate newer nuances of batting, tried to repeat DouglasMarillier’s astoundingly innovative scoop shot over the keeper’s headon at least two occasions, though, not with the same degree ofsuccess. But he must at least be commended for his attempt to cock asnook at the conventional in the slog overs.The Indian score of 319 definitely demanded an exceptional effort fromthe Zimbabweans who had been docked an over for their slow over-rate.Despite losing Dion Ebrahim early, Travis Friend and Alistair Campbellmade a game effort.
© CricInfoFriend, promoted as a pinch-hitter, was particularly outstanding,upping the tempo with genuine cricket shots. A cover drive againstKumble, which Friend executed after neatly steeping down the track,was the standout shot in an innings which would have given the Indiansa few jitters.The quick dismissal of both Friend and Campbell by Harbhajan Singh,followed by Andy Flower’s departure for a relatively low score snuffedout any faint hopes that the visitors carried. But the Zimbabweansproved yet again that they are a spirited bunch of cricketers. Theyhave been let down by their bowling attack which does not possess thewherewithal to trouble the Indians. Their batting and fielding,however, continues to impress.As for the Indians, this series is a heaven-sent opportunity for everyone of them to get into their best form ahead of the tour of the WestIndies. Ganguly, for his part, did a good job as captain. His fieldplacements were shrewd, as was the decision to retain Harbhajan Singhfor the end overs. Ajay Ratra also looked good behind the stumps andif he now can score a few runs too, he would do himself and his side abig favour. All the Indians need to do is to discover a fifth bowlerwho can support Harbhajan and Kumble.As Sourav Ganguly said at the post-match press-conference, the “firstone-dayer was lost to a freak innings from Marillier”. The win in thesecond one-dayer has, then, made India the firm favourites in thisseries, and unless they encounter the unlikely prospect of a greentop in any of the upcoming matches, they look well-nighunstoppable.