Returning to international cricket after a gap of six months due to a recurring injury, Deepak Chahar never looked out of rhythm, as he ran throughZimbabwe’s top-order with an impeccable display of swing bowling. 

Due to a prolonged absence, Chahar has fallen down the pecking order and is unlikely to make a cut for India’s squad for the upcoming World Cup in Australia. But his performance at Harare Sports Club was a timely reminder of his wicket-taking ability, especially if the pitch is conducive to swing. 

Chahar drew the first blood by getting rid of Innocent Kaia in his fourth over. It was a short ball aimed into Kaia’s body, who tried to nail a pull, but could only manage a top-edge. 

In the next over, Chahar bowled an away-swinger that kissed the edge of Tadiwanashe Marumani before landing safely into Samson’s gloves. Wesley Madhevere then got trapped on his front foot while trying to block a fullish delivery that swung back in at the last moment.

By the end of the 11th over, Zimbabwe found themselves in a spot of both, after losing four of their top-order batters. The lower-order resistance that they badly needed came from Richard Ngarava and Brad Evans, as both of them scored over 30. 

Chahar, meanwhile, finished with three wickets for 27 runs in seven overs – his career-best ODI figures. The fans praised the right-handed bowler for his dream spell, with many even joining the chorus to include him in the World Cup squad.

One fan wrote, “Very good XI from India. Deepak Chahar is an upgrade over Shardul in ODIs, even more so when conditions are helpful with the new ball. And they have gone with him when both are available.”

Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill then added an unbeaten 192-run stand to ensure a ten-wicket win for India. Dhawan looked rusty throughout his 81-run knock, while Gill struck ten fours and a six for his fluent72-ball 82.

Lead Image: BCCI/Twitter