Heartbreak for Chevrons

THERE was heartbreak for Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club yesterday after the Chevrons’ spirited chase to overhaul India’s total and win the Twenty20 International series fell just short amid drama and tears.

In the end, needing four from the last ball to win, Elton Chigumbura could not find the boundary and the Chevrons were left to count their losses.

But, after their shocking failure in the ODIs, Zimbabwe were praised for the way they fought gallantly against the Indians in a riveting contest that went to the final ball.

Even Indian skipper MS Dhoni said he was charmed by the Chevrons’ fightback and said his men learnt more from the Twenty20 battles than from their ODI whitewash victory.

Zimbabwe batsman Timycen Maruma blamed himself for the loss.

“When I hit that six, that’s when I started to believe that we could do it. Unfortunately those two balls that I missed, thereafter, were what cost us the game,” he said.

“But it was a good challenge and a good game,” said Maruma.

In the end, only three runs separated the winners and the losers.

Needing 21 off the last over, a spirited Zimbabwe came four runs shot as they gave everything for the cause of their nation.

Winning the toss Zimbabwe put India in to bat and the Asians struggled to 138 for six wickets with Donald Tiripano taking three wickets in an inspired spell.

Maruma hit Sran for a maximum then a four, with the second boundary coming off a no-ball, but the next three deliveries went for a single leaving Chigumbura needing eight from the final two balls.

India’s chase was kept alive by Kedar Jadhav’s maiden better than a-run-aball half century (58 off 42) and Tiripano remove him at the death.

India coach Sanjay Bangar felt the wicket, on a cloudy day, was not suited for high-scoring games.

“The wicket was dry and the ball was keeping a bit low so run-making wasn’t that easy, so credit to Rayudu and Kedar for the way they consolidated the innings.

“I thought 138 was a good score on that wicket and our bowlers would be able to defend that,” said Bangar. — sportszone. co.zw.