5 best batting performances by Indian batsmen against Zimbabwe in One-Day Internationals

A young Indian side led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni left for Zimbabwe. According to the skipper, this series is a crucial one for the young team. Over the years, the Zimbabwe tour has been important for the fringe players who are looking to force their way into the main team.

As the team embarks on another journey, we take a look at 5 brilliant innings by Indian batsmen against Zimbabwe. These innings came in crunch situations when the team's back was against the wall.

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#1 Kapil Dev: 175*

Perhaps the most important innings for India during their triumphant campaign in 1983.

This inning is considered to be one of the best innings in the history on One Day Cricket. A place in the World Cup semis was on the line, and India was reduced to 17/5.

Kapil then launched a scintillating counter-attack and smacked 16 fours and 6 sixes en route his 138-ball 175. He stitched 126 for the ninth wicket with Syed Kirmani. Kirmani added 24 runs from 56 balls.

He then picked up a wicket too as India defeated Zimbabwe by 31 runs in the end.

#2 VVS Laxman: 131

The man for the crisis was once again needed in Adelaide during India's 2003-04 tours to Australia. India was reeling at 4 runs for 3 wickets against a spirited Zimbabwe attack. Heath Streak sliced through the top order and picked up 2 quick wickets.

Laxman held fort and like always got support from Rahul Dravid who scored 56 and then by Rohan Gavaskar who scored 54. Laxman himself scored a vital century and eventually fell for 131. India ended with 280 runs from the 50 overs.

Zimbabwe gave the chase everything and even after fighting centuries by Stuart Carlisle and Sean Ervine, fell short by 3 runs.

#3 Yuvraj Singh: 120

This was a phase when the Indian top order could not buy runs. Chasing a target of 251, India was reeling at 36/4 and then was reduced for 91/5.

Yuvraj who was at the peak of his prowess found an able ally in Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Together they bailed India out of trouble and stitched a partnership of 158 runs.

When Yuvraj got dismissed he had already scored a brilliant 120 and put India on the verge of a victory. Certainly a match-winning innings, and one of the best.

#4 Kedar Jadhav: 105

This inning was the shining light in the previous tour. A young team led by Ajinkya Rahane landed in Zimbabwe.

The team started very well in the series as they won the first two matches. However, in the third match, the team was in a real soup as they were struggling at 82/4.

Kedar Jadhav, who has been a consistent domestic performer then held fort and forged an important partnership with Manish Pandey. Together they put together 144 runs for the fifth wicket. Jadhav buckled down and saw the tough overs out, before expanding his range in the latter overs. In the process, Jadhav got to his century, a brilliant testament to his talent and ability.

India went to win the match by 83 runs and India swept the series 3-0.

He finds himself in the team once again, and will look to stamp his authority all over the series.

#5 Suresh Raina: 110

Raina was under pressure going into this match in the 2015 World Cup and he was not among runs. The stage was set for him, as India was struggling at 92/4 chasing a formidable target of 287.

The ball was hooping around under lights at Auckland, and Raina found an able ally with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. They dropped anchor and saw off the tough phase. Raina then found his range and started playing shots. He scored a breezy century and saw the team through with a 104-ball 110.

India won the match convincingly in the end by 6 wickets. An innings to savour for Suresh Raina.