Top 7 India-Zimbabwe ODI Contests of All Time

#6 Bilateral Series, 2002, Faridabad

Douglas Marillier, India’s nemesis on the day

Winner: Zimbabwe, by 1 wicket

Man of the Match: Dougie Marillier (56 & 1-53)

This was one of the more closely fought bilateral contests between the two countries, eventually ending 3-2 in India’s favour, the series decided in the last game. Batting first, India had scored 274, thanks to half-centuries from VVS Laxman (75) and Sourav Ganguly (57). Ajit Agarkar had scored a 19 ball 40 to ensure India managed close to 80 runs in their last 10 overs.

The chase swung wildly from one end to another. Zimbabwe started poorly, going from 5 for 1 to 21 for 2. However, Alistair Campbell (84) and Andy Flower (71) gave the chase some pace and strength. Zimbabwe then lost their way dropping down to 210 for eight in 44.2 overs, requiring 64 more runs in 34 balls with just two wickets.

Dougie Marillier, the No.10 scored a 24 ball 56, one of the fastest ODI half-centuries by a No.10 batsman to take Zimbabwe home with two balls to spare. Zimbabwe added 43 for the ninth wicket and then an unbeaten 24 runs for the tenth wicket off which Brent just scored 1. As they go, this was one of the tightest ever ODI contests of all time, not just between the two nations.