Indians score 226-run win
Ashish Shukla
The Indians signed off their preparations for the first Test with a convincing 226-run victory over CFX
Academy on the third and final day of their three-day match
in Harare on Monday, with Harbhajan Singh claiming six wickets.
Chasing 384 for victory, the Academy boys were dismissed
for 157 in their second innings despite a fighting 102-run
fourth wicket stand between Barney Rogers, who remained
unbeaten on 65, and captain Mluleki Nkala, who made 59.
The Indians, who performed excellently both with the bat
and ball -- though against a team of schoolboys -- had declared
their first innings at 447 for four and second innings at 128
for five. The hosts were dismissed for 192 in their first
innings.
After almost all the batsmen had substantial scores in
the match, it was the turn of the bowlers to show their
prowess and they did not disappoint either. The hero of the
day was Harbhajan, who not only broke a stubborn fourth
wicket partnership by having Nkala caught by captain Sourav
Ganguly, but also ran through the remaining batting order to
give the Indians the much-needed win ahead of the first Test,
starting in Bulawayo on June 7. He finished with figures of
six for 36 from 16 overs.
The Indians scented victory early in the the day when Javagal
Srinath produced a burst of three wickets for nine runs from
his first seven overs to have the hosts reeling at 25 for
three.
However, Rogers and Nkala batted defiantly and took their
side into the final session without any further damage. The
Academy boys took tea at 81 for three.
Their defiance continued after the break and the Indians'
did not help their cause by waiting for things to happen. It
almost seemed that the hosts would be able to escape with a draw. Nkala was particularly aggressive and smashed a couple of
thunderous pulls against Zaheer Khan. Rogers stuck it out
gamely but except from Nkala, he didn't get enough help from
the others.
The India's newest match-winner Harbhajan got into the
act and effected Nkala's dismissal. This was the breakthrough
the visitors were looking for and suddenly they could sense
victory once again.
Bahutule struck the next blow by trapping
Sean Ervine leg before wicket with the addition of just one
run to the total.
Harbhajan then destroyed the tailenders with his deadly
off-breaks and the Academy's second innings folded at 157.
Earlier, the Indians resumed at their overnight 15 for no loss and gave their bowlers an opportunity
to bat. Hemang Badani, who was sent as an opener on Sunday,
retired after making 35 and so did his partner Sadagoppan Ramesh,
who made his first half-century (52) on this tour.
It was then the turn of Sameer Dighe, Harbhajan Singh,
Zaheer Khan and Sairaj Bahutule to try and get some practice
in the middle. However, but for Harbhajan Singh who hit some
lusty blows, the others could not quite stay long enough in
the middle.
The Indians travel to Bulawayo on Tuesday morning. A hectic
practice session is scheduled for the boys in the afternoon.
Mail Cricket Editor
