Shiv Sunder Das is our Indian cricketer of the fortnight. His match winning effort in the historic overseas Test win at Bulawayo makes him a clear winner. This 23-year-old youngster is a refreshing addition to the Indian side. Das always carries a smile on his face as he goes about his task efficiently. This no nonsense player from Orissa made his debut against Bangladesh last year and hasn't looked back ever since.

Das has impressed one and all with his willingness to learn and to strive to be better. He is a compact player and one who is best termed as reliable. The Indian team seems to have found a dependable man to take the shine off the new ball. There is this little champion in him masked behind all the grit and determination. An opening batsman's job is like that of a long distance cyclist. He has to conquer different stages through the innings. Das clearly deserves to wear the 'yellow jersey'.

Das had a good preparation for the first Test with a fine show with the bat against CFX Academy, scoring a hundred. Come the first Test match at Bulawayo, Das was ready for it. On a pitch that helped the seam bowlers, he stood strong and knocked off 30 runs before tragedy struck. Das was adjudged to have edged a bat-pad to silly point. TV replays clearly showed that he did not get an edge.

Das has proved to be reliable on the field too. He snapped up three catches in the match, which included a stunning diving catch at forward short leg to dismiss Brian Murphy. India was set the task of scoring 184 runs in the final innings for that much sought after away win. Das lived through the initial anxious moments and steadily got into the act. He led the Indian charge and remained unbeaten on 82 in the end. The victory was made to look like a formality as Das and Tendulkar completely overpowered the bowling.

Das' batting was a revelation as he seized the opportunity with both hands. He struck ten boundaries in his match-winning knock. The highlight of his innings clearly was the four boundaries he struck in one over from Brighton Watambwa. There was no doubt in anyone's mind as to who would be adjudged the Man of the Match.

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