India’s swing fast bowler Deepak Chahar did look a bit rusty when he bowled the first few overs against Zimbabwe in the first ODI at the Harare Sports Club on Thursday. He was making a comeback to competitive cricket after six months and nothing more was expected.
Chahar did look a bit restless in his approach and he was searching for magic balls. However, the swing fast bowler finally got his act together in the fourth over he bowled and dismissed Marumani with a short-pitched ball.
Subsequently, he accounted for Innocent Kiai with an outswinger as he was able to produce the outside edge and pinged Madhevere in front of the wickets. There was a lot of swing on offer and Chahar was able to make the most of it.
Chahar returned with impressive figures of 3-27 in the seven overs he bowled and played a key role in skittling out the opposition at 189 after KL Rahul won the toss and decided to bowl first.
Apart from Chahar, Prasidh Krishna and Axar Patel took three wickets apiece while Mohammad Siraj also scalped one wicket.
Deepak Chahar was awarded the Player of the Match and made a fine return to International cricket. The 30-year-old from Agra revealed that his body is feeling better and he gained a bit of confidence after such an impressive performance.
Chahar said while talking in the post-match presentation, “The landing was a little hard and when you play an international game after six and half months, obviously you will be a little nervous. Before coming here I played at least 4-5 practice games and the body and mind weren’t working together in the first few overs, but it got better after that. I’m fine and the body is fine as well.”
Chahar was able to get the ball in the right areas and he must be really happy with his terrific performance. The swing fast bowler will look to continue the good show in the rest of the series.
On the other hand, Shikhar Dhawan (81*) and Shubman Gil (82*) added a fine opening alliance of 192 runs to help the visitors chase down the target in only 30.5 overs to complete a comprehensive win.
The second ODI between India and Zimbabwe will take place at the same venue on Saturday.
