Zaheer Khan strikes for India

Alistair Campbell carried his bat to make an unbeaten 105 as Zimbabwe scored 218-9 from 50 overs against India in the Sharjah tri-series here on Thursday.

But the left-hand opener's fourth one-day century was not backed up by the other batsmen, the next highest score being Guy Whittall's 26. India's young left-arm seamer Zaheer Khan wrecked Zimbabwe with four for 42 from 10 overs, while new ball partner Venkatesh Prasad finished with two for 38.

A win for India will ensure them a place in Sunday's final against Sri Lanka. Zimbabwe, who have a slim chance of qualifying on run-rate even if they beat India, have already booked their flight home before the league ends on Friday.

Heath Streak's men are due to begin a two-Test tour of India on November 5. Grant Flower, opening the innings for the first time in the series, made just 10 when he holed out to mid-on trying to loft Prasad out of the ground.

Pinch-hitter Paul Strang hit 17 off 24 balls when he fell to a superb catch at mid-on by Zaheer, who took the ball over his head just as it was about to pass him.

The promising Yuvraj Singh ran out Stuart Carlisle for 20, diving to his right at point to stop the ball and firing in a return to wicket-keeper Vijay Dahiya before the batsman could regain his ground. Zaheer then had veteran Andy Flower snapped up at square-leg by Vinod Kambli to make Zimbabwe 124-4 in the 28th over.

Whittall helped Campbell add 50 for the fifth wicket when he was unlucky to be run out, caught out of his ground at the non-striker's end as Campbell's drive was deflected on to the stumps by bowler Prasad. In his final spell, Zaheer clean bowled Streak, Travis Friend and Bryan Strang to finish with career-best figures.

Scoreboard and Graphic analysis

Mail Cricket Editor