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After inflicting massive defeats over Bangladesh in the previous series, Zimbabwe crashed back to earth in the first Test losing by 8 wickets. Although two of their fast bowlers were injured during the match they were out classed by India in all departments.
It took great spirit for Zimbabwe to come back and win the second Test when they again lost the services of a pace bowler after only half an hour on the first morning.
It is only 15 months ago Zimbabwe failed to chase 99 for victory in their first Test in the Caribbean. In the second Test in this series against India, Zimbabwe needed 157 runs for victory and to draw the series. On this occasion they held together and won the Test despite their Caribbean disaster playing in the back of their minds.
Zimbabwe's Test record over the last nine years has never been outstanding. However, they continue to have rare success against India in their series at home. India drew with Zimbabwe in a one-off Test in 1992 and lost by 61 runs in another one-off Test in 1998.
Zimbabwe has continued their recent upward ratings trend. The points they have earned in this series moves them to their highest rating since June 2000. However, they remain a distant 47 points behind eighth placed Sri Lanka.
With three wins from four Tests in their home season so far, Zimbabwe will enter their next two Test series against the touring West Indies starting in mid July with increased confidence.
India will look back at this series with bewilderment coming straight after their triumph over Australia in March. While their touring record is at best appalling, they would have expected to win the series against Zimbabwe.
While India did defeated Bangladesh in a one off Test in Dhaka in November 2000, their last series win away from home was against Sri Lanka in August 1993. They remain in sixth place in the ratings and are now 5 ratings points behind West Indies.
Considering the depleted Zimbabwean bowling attack in each Test the Indian batsmen simply failed to capitalise in the second Test. India lost their last 6 wickets for 37 runs in 90 minutes on the fourth morning. While Zimbabwe did struggle to make the 157 run target, the fault remains with what is one of the most talented bating lists in modern Test cricket.
India next tour Sri Lanka in August for a three Test series. India's last tour to Sri Lanka ended in two drawn Tests and they will be hoping for an improved performance given the slower turning sub continental style pitches will better suit their style of play.
The latest Test cricket ratings are: 1 Australia (1185); 2 South Africa (1144); 3 England (1058); 4 Pakistan (1049); 5 West Indies (1030); 6 India (1025); 7 New Zealand (992); 8 Sri Lanka (973); 9 Zimbabwe (926); 10 Bangladesh (806 - provisional).
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