Pathan gives India victory

Despite a stronger performance in its second innings, Zimbabwe has lost the second Test against India by 10 wickets.

Woeful catching and two half-centuries aided Zimbabwe’s cause, who enjoyed their most productive session against an opposition this summer.

Heath Streak fell to Zaheer Khan quickly after the resumption to leave Zimbabwe on 42 for 5. Charles Coventry and Hamilton Masakadza pushed the total up towards 100, however Coventry chipped to mid-wicket in soft fashion.

Andy Blignaut has struggled to find any form in either discipline since his return from injury, but he played a strong hand in partnership with Masakadza.

The pair put on 115 in a period where India had few answers. Flashing drives and cuts were mixed with lofted hitting. Masakadza’s reserved efforts complemented the more flamboyant Blignaut well.

Six chances were missed by India in the field. Blignaut was dropped three times in as many balls when on 16.

Ten minutes after the lunch interval undid all Zimbabwe’s good work.

Irfan Pathan produced an off-cutter to trap Masakadza in front, out for a well-crafted 71.

Keith Dabengwa, Blessing Mahwire and Waddington Mwayenga were accounted for by Pathan, Anil Kumble and Zaheer repectively.

Pathan finished with 5 for 67, taking twelve in the match.

Blignaut was left unbeaten on 84 off 93 balls.

India took only 2.2 overs to score the 19 runs required for victory.

Zimbabwe could take a few positives out of the series, with contributions from batsmen and the odd bowling performance.

India stuttered with the bat, bowled erratically at times and their fielding left little to be desired.

Zimbabwe 161
Charles Coventry 37, Hamiton Masakadza 27
Irfan Pathan 7-59, Harbhajan Singh 2-45

India 366
Rahul Dravid 98, Gautam Gambhir 97
Heath Streak 6-73, Blessing Mahwire 2-86

Zimbabwe 223
Andy Blignaut 84no, Hamiton Masakadza 71
Irfan Pathan 5-67, Zaheer Khan 4-58

India 19-0

India win by 10 wickets, win the series 2-0

CricketWeb Player of the Match
Irfan Pathan (India) – 7-59 and 5-67

CricketWeb Player of the Series
Irfan Pathan (India) – 21 wickets