Harare: Robin Utthapa top scored for Team India scoring an unbeaten 39 runs from 35 balls and were well supported by Indian opening pair of Rahane and Murali Vijay. Chris Mpofu was the peak of Zimbabwean bowlers as he dismissed three Indian batsmen by giving away 3 3runs in the stipulated four overs.
It was new look for the cricket fans of Team India as five Indian cricketrs made thier debut for the Indian Team. Sandeep Sharma, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, Axar Patel and Stuart Binny are playing their first T20 international for India.
Coming to the game standing skipper Ajinkya Rahane had no hesitation after winning the toss and deciding to bat first.
Rahane said, "We will bat first. Looks like a dry wicket, we want to defend a score. The wicket will not change much, but might help our spinners later on. We have to be at our best throughout the 40 overs."
Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura said, "I think it's a good wicket, hopefully, we can restrict them to a low score. We are looking forward to a good game. We have to play positive cricket, hopefully, the players will play their roles and put the team through."
He along with Murali Vijay gave the team a strong start. Indian opening pair of Rahane and Murali Vijay scored a quickfire 58 runs in the first power play of six overs. India lost its first wicket at 64 runs when Rahane was caught by Masakadza offf the bowling of Cremer. However Robin Uthappa who came to bat at number 3 position has anchored the Indian batting pretty well aftet his departure.
