It was one of my lucky days: Dhawan
India managed to overcome a top-order collapse and a spirited futile reply from Zimbabwe, to emerge victorious by 58 runs in the second ODI at Harare to extend their lead in the five-match series. Riding on Shikhar Dhawan's fine 116 and a valuable 69 from Dinesh Karthik, the visitors managed to post a commanding 294/8 before restricting the hosts to 236/9.
Speaking after the match, Virat Kohli said the batsmen found the going challenging, especially after losing early wickets. The Indian skipper praised Dhawan for his knock while mentioning that luck too had a role to play.
"It was going to be a challenge for the batsmen. We lost a few early wickets, there were a few tricky calls as well. There are two sides of having luck. You could get bogged down or keep going. Dhawan kept going despite nicking a few. Dinesh as well, pity he did not get a 100. We ended up getting 294. Those two batted beautifully."
Despite a good start from the Zimbabwe openers, India kept chipping away and managed to restrict the hosts in the end. Jaydev Unadkat was the star with the ball, picking up 4/41, which included the prized scalps of the openers and the bowler was praised by Kohli, who mentioned that the pitch suited the lanky left-armer.
"The wicket suited Unadkat. He bowls a good length and has good change of pace as well. The others supported him well. We are a new side. We are going to be put under pressure. The guys responded beautifully today."
Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor rued the missed chances, mentioning that they proved to be costly in the end. The home-team skipper also said his top-order had to take some responsibility for the loss as they failed to capitalize on a good start.
"We gave them too many chances and they made us pay. That partnership (between Dhawan and Karthik) really killed us. It was a good wicket to bat on. The top order has to take responsibility for this failure. We were really slow on the field. There were penalties in place. In hindsight, we should have just slowed the game down a bit. Our seam attack is pretty strong. We have to tighten up in the middle overs."
Dhawan, who registered his third ODI ton, was named the Man of the Match for his efforts with the bat and the left-handed opener thanked his luck while mentioning that the wicket was not easy to bat on.
"It was one of my lucky days. You have some lucky days. I was playing well in the earlier matches but kept getting out. The wicket was not easy to bat on. But Dinesh and I batted well. That partnership got us through. I'm enjoying the moment. I'm in good form. We just wanted to play on the merit of the ball. We just wanted to stay. We knew we could recover later because both of us had a good range of shots."
India managed to overcome a top-order collapse and a spirited futile reply from Zimbabwe, to emerge victorious by 58 runs in the second ODI at Harare to extend their lead in the five-match series. Riding on Shikhar Dhawan's fine 116 and a valuable 69 from Dinesh Karthik, the visitors managed to post a commanding 294/8 before restricting the hosts to 236/9.
Speaking after the match, Virat Kohli said the batsmen found the going challenging, especially after losing early wickets. The Indian skipper praised Dhawan for his knock while mentioning that luck too had a role to play.
"It was going to be a challenge for the batsmen. We lost a few early wickets, there were a few tricky calls as well. There are two sides of having luck. You could get bogged down or keep going. Dhawan kept going despite nicking a few. Dinesh as well, pity he did not get a 100. We ended up getting 294. Those two batted beautifully."
Despite a good start from the Zimbabwe openers, India kept chipping away and managed to restrict the hosts in the end. Jaydev Unadkat was the star with the ball, picking up 4/41, which included the prized scalps of the openers and the bowler was praised by Kohli, who mentioned that the pitch suited the lanky left-armer.
"The wicket suited Unadkat. He bowls a good length and has good change of pace as well. The others supported him well. We are a new side. We are going to be put under pressure. The guys responded beautifully today."
Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor rued the missed chances, mentioning that they proved to be costly in the end. The home-team skipper also said his top-order had to take some responsibility for the loss as they failed to capitalize on a good start.
"We gave them too many chances and they made us pay. That partnership (between Dhawan and Karthik) really killed us. It was a good wicket to bat on. The top order has to take responsibility for this failure. We were really slow on the field. There were penalties in place. In hindsight, we should have just slowed the game down a bit. Our seam attack is pretty strong. We have to tighten up in the middle overs."
Dhawan, who registered his third ODI ton, was named the Man of the Match for his efforts with the bat and the left-handed opener thanked his luck while mentioning that the wicket was not easy to bat on.
"It was one of my lucky days. You have some lucky days. I was playing well in the earlier matches but kept getting out. The wicket was not easy to bat on. But Dinesh and I batted well. That partnership got us through. I'm enjoying the moment. I'm in good form. We just wanted to play on the merit of the ball. We just wanted to stay. We knew we could recover later because both of us had a good range of shots."
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