Zim v India, 2nd ODI: a Moli win for India...again

Mohali has been a lucky ground for the Indians as they have had a good win record at this ground. Sourav's luck with the toss carried into the second one-dayer; he elected to bat on a wicket that offers runs in plenty. Zimbabwe had to field on a wicket that is one of the few in India that favours pace.

Openers Dinesh Mongia and Sourav Ganguly got off to the start that was just what the doctor ordered. Despite a few uneasy moments against the pace of Heath Streak, the pair went on to pile up the runs in an aggressive fashion. Together they added a quick-fire 109 for the opening partnership, a good base to build a big total. Dinesh Mongia showed that he had the right match temperament with a 52-ball, 45 run innings! Laxman joined his captain to add to the run blitz, but it was Ganguly who looked really hungry for runs, smashing as many as eight boundaries and three hits that were skied which got him to a racy 86 off 83 balls. India lost her captain with the score on 188.

Rahul Dravid walked out on to the Mohali pitch and faced the Zimbabwean bowling attack. Laxman was playing the cautious role. The flow of runs had decreased slightly but Dravid had a point to prove that he was not that `slow defensive batsman' people make him out to be. He went into attack mode and found the fence with immaculate timing. Laxman gave him sensible support at the other end before he fell after scoring a half-century, leaving India 243 for three. This pair had added 55 runs for the third wicket.

Dravid was joined by Mohammad Kaif, but this partnership did not last long, as India were now just piling on the runs, and Kaif made an exit, making way for the local hero Harbhajan Singh played a spicy knock of 15. Dravid carried on batting in a fashion that was diametrically opposite to the image he has, of being slow. Trying innovative shots, he sped his way to 66 off only 59 balls, giving India a really commanding total of 319 for six.

The visitors had one over docked for the slow over rate, and were therefore required to get 320 runs in 49 overs. Always a mammoth task, the start was not at all appropriate as Dion Ebrahim departed early with the score on 4. Alistiar Campbell was joined by Travis Friend in a new role as pinch-hitter.

The positive attitude of the two batsmen came to the fore as they went about the task of accumulating runs. Campbell's experience gelled well with the young blood of Friend. And together they consolidated the partnership and India were left searching for answers. A record partnership of 134 runs for the second wicket emerged, before Travis Friend was dismissed for 64 off 60 balls; he had played his role to a T.

Andy Flower joined Campbell and one felt that another solid partnership here would be crucial and perhaps make things difficult for India. But Campbell was soon on his way back to the pavilion after scoring 62 runs for his country. The visitors were 143 for three.

With the two Flower bothers at the crease, Zimbabwe could be hopeful of getting on with the task at hand. Unfortunately, the normally good understanding between the two brothers was missing and a run-out caused Grant Flower to head back to the pavilion. Andy showed his frustration, but the show had to go on and he had to play a big part.

Captain Carlisle and Andy Flower were at the crease to try to save the day for Zimbabwe. The target loomed large and all the prize wickets were in India's bag. 38 runs were added for the fifth wicket before Andy Flower chopped a ball onto his stumps for 29.

The Zimbabwean batsmen could not deliver the goods and with the departure of Carlisle and the score 212 for six, the result was pretty certain. Of course one can never say in cricket and especially one-day cricket.

This time around, the tail failed to wag, and the visitors were bundled out for 255. India won convincingly by 64 runs and the love affair with the Mohali ground continues. Captain Ganguly, Dinesh Mongia, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and Harbhajan Singh contributed largely to the win that would raise the morale of the team as they go to Kochi for the third one-dayer.

The Zimbabweans need to rework a few things before they write a fresh page at the next venue. With the series level, the two teams can be rest assured that quality cricket is the need of the hour, to show one's supremacy in the shorter version of the game.

And when that fat lady sings, only then can one say with conviction that indeed this was the better one-day side of the two.