Clinical Zimbabwe crush India and get bonus point

Zimbabwe 197 for 3 (Taylor 74, Masakadza 66) beat India 194 for 9 (Jadeja 51, Lamb 3-45) by seven wickets
Just to prove that their first win over India wasn’t an upset, Zimbabwe won even more convincingly – with a bonus point this time, making their qualification for the final a distinct possibility. A combination of disciplined bowling and fielding, and directionless batting from India, meant Zimbabwe were chasing an ordinary total. Just to show the pitch had no demons that could justify a total of 194, Brendan Taylor and Hamilton Masakadza punished the bowlers, adding 128 runs in 26.3 overs.

Brendan Taylor, the Zimbabwe opener, has said he was under no pressure during his team’s chase of 195 due to the steady partnership he shared with Hamilton Masakadza. Zimbabwe were slow to start with but picked up the pace and completed their victory with more than 11 overs to spare. The comprehensive win ensured they secured a bonus point, which boosts their chances of reaching the series final.

“We were keeping it to under four runs an over, which is not too much. Batting with Hamilton I always feel relaxed, he’s a powerful hitter and for some reason I was ahead of him today which never really happens,” Taylor, who was Man of the Match for his 90-ball 74, said. “On a good flat wicket I thought I played well and there was no real pressure.”