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Paul Munyuki Sports Reporter
VUSI SIBANDA’S half century wasn’t enough to stop Zimbabwe crashing to an eight-wicket loss that handed India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the Killer Cup One Day International Series at Harare Sports Club yesterday. Winning the toss, India opted to field — as any team would have done under the cover of those morning clouds — and Zimbabwe were bundled out for 126 in just 34.3 overs.

Zimbabwe skipper Graeme Cremer said he would have fielded if he had won the toss. India were always on the front foot, after the heroics of their bowlers, and their batsmen reached their target with 139 balls in hand, losing only two wickets in response.

Sibanda top scored with a 53 off 69 balls, which included six fours and a six, but he was a lone fighter. “It is always very disappointing. It was difficult to bat out there but no excuses, I had to take more responsibility to see the team through, unfortunately, the execution was not there,” said Sibanda.

“It is easy for me to say we have lost wickets and we should have done this and that but I think I had the chance to take the team through but I did not. “This is our backyard and we should do well.

“We really do not have excuses. It is just a matter of adapting to the conditions. “If we as batters do not step up to the platform and do well, it is always going to be difficult for the bowlers.

“As a senior guy in the team, I should not be saying that we should leave it to the other guys. “I had the chance to take the team through but I will take the responsibility for not doing so.”

Yuzvendra Chala finished with figures of 3-25 in six overs while Dhawal Kulkarni and Barinder Sran each claimed two wickets apiece.

Sibanda said he heard the jeers from the home crowds.

“(I) heard some of the words that came out, they were actually not nice but we represent our country and obviously they are disappointed as much as we are.

They expect a lot from us, they are following us,” said Sibanda.

“If we do not perform exceptionally well they get disappointed, but for them to step over the line and get personal is not good.

“If we do not do well, yes, that would be disappointing, but we also want them to stand by us when things don’t go well.”

Zimbabwe interim coach Makhaya Ntini said the Chevrons will get better with time.

“There is nothing that has changed in our stance. It is a process, we still can,” he said.

“The biggest question is when was the last time we played cricket? We are going to get into that position whereby we are able to conquer what we need to conquer.

“There is no change in that and I can stick to my word.

“Everyone in the team believes we can be able to do it. But the problem we had today was that we did not respect the Indian bowlers. It is a matter of understanding where the (fielders) are.

“When you have a bowler who is bowling very well then you need to take singles and they get frustrated, but we wanted to hit sixes where we know there is a fielder.”