Versatile Mongia praised after India win

India coach John Wright praised Dinesh Mongia's contribution with bat and ball after the 64-run win over Zimbabwe in the second one-day international on Sunday.

India amassed 319 for six batting first and then bowled out Zimbabwe for 255 to level the five-game series after losing Thursday's opener by one wicket with two balls to spare.

Mongia hit a strokeful 45 in a century opening stand with his captain and then took three wickets with his slow left-arm spin.

"He is a thinking cricketer," Wright said of the 25-year-old.

"Mongia has a hundred in him. It is good to see players like him contributing to the team."

Mongia has also proved an effective opener after being drafted in to replace Sachin Tendulkar, absent from the series with knee trouble.

Ganguly, whose top-score of 86 despite a knee injury won him the man of the match award, said his side will now look to dominate the remainder of the series.

"We have to keep a steady head and look to win the next three games," he said.

Zimbabwe shook India by pulling off a one-wicket victory in the first Faridabad one-dayer after Douglas Marillier's 24-ball 56 not out lifted them from the brink of defeat.

But Ganguly said he was confident there would be no repeat of such heroics.

"We lost to a freak knock in Faridabad and that doesn't happen every day," he said.

Zimbabwe skipper Stuart Carlisle blamed his bowlers for sending down 25 wides.

"It was hard after we gave away too many extras and it was a good pitch to bat on," he said.

"We got to a good start, but lost wickets regularly."

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Mail Cricket Editor