ZIM vs IND, 2nd ODI: Clinical India outclass Zimbabwe to clinch the series

Shardul Thakur's spectacular show with the ball and a match-winning partnership between Deepak Hooda and Sanju Samson helped India demolish Zimbabwe in the second ODI in Harare today. The Men in Blue sealed the three-match series, taking an unassailable lead of 2-0 with this thumping victory.  

Zimbabwe surrender to Indian bowling yet again

After being put into bat, Zimbabwe got off to a miserable start for the second consecutive time, losing four wickets for just 31 runs.

 The experienced duo of Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza added 41 runs for the fifth wicket. However, the collapse resumed after Raza was removed for 16 by Kuldeep Yadav. 

Thakur bowled a terrific spell [PC: Twitter]

Things went only downhill for the hosts thereafter, as they were finally bundled out for a paltry 161 in 38.1 overs. 

Shardul Thakur, who replaced Deepak Chahar in this game, emerged as India’s most successful bowler, scalping three wickets for 38 runs. 

Hooda and Samson ensure India's victory 

In reply, India suffered an early setback, losing KL Rahul in the second over. Although Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill looked in full flow, they couldn’t convert their starts into big knocks. 

However, Deepak Hooda and Sanju Samson steadied the ship, stitching a match-winning 56-run stand for the fifth wicket. 

Samson in action [PC: Twitter]

While Hooda stroked his way through to a flamboyant 25 before being cleaned up by Sikandar Raza, Samson remained unbeaten for 43 and sealed the game with a huge six. 

Although Luke Jongwe went for a few runs, he picked two wickets in his four over spell. 

Brief Scores: 

Zimbabwe: 161 (38.1)
Sean Williams 42 (42), Ryan Burl 39* (47);
Shardul Thakur 3/38 (7) 

India: 167/5 (25.4)
Sanju Samson 43* (39), Shikhar Dhawan 33 (21);
Luke Jongwe 2/33 (4)

India won by five wickets. 

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