India bowl out Zimbabwe for 144 in fourth ODI

BULAWAYO: Zimbabwe's batsmen posted their lowest total in a thoroughly disappointing series against India, as they were bowled out for a paltry 144 in the fourth one-day international on Thursday.

An 80-run partnership for the sixth wicket between half-centurion Elton Chigumbura and Malcolm Waller was as good as it got for the home side, who slumped to 47 for five inside the opening 16 overs of the innings as India's bowlers sliced through the Zimbabwean top order.

Seamer Mohit Sharma led the attack on his international debut, claiming 1 for 13 in his first six-over spell after India had won the toss and elected to field.

Sharma also grabbed the key wicket of Waller to end what little resistance Zimbabwe had to offer, and finished with figures of 2 for 26 from 10 overs.

The 24-year-old set India on their way when he had Sikandar Raza caught behind in the seventh over of the innings, before Hamilton Masakadza contributed to his own demise when he was run out whilst taking a sluggish single.

With Brendan Taylor and Sean Williams both dismissed without scoring and Vusi Sibanda bowled by Ravindra Jadeja for 24, Zimbabwe looked as though they could be bowled out for a double-digit score.

However Chigumbura and Waller revived the innings with a patient stand, which ticked along at just over three runs per over until the batting powerplay was taken.

The 36th over brought 11 runs, but the next one brought a wicket as Sharma had Waller caught behind for 35.

With the lower order unable to contribute, Chigumbura was soon left stranded on 50 not out as Zimbabwe were bowled out in 42.4 overs.

Legspinner Amit Mishra claimed the last three wickets of the innings to record figures of 3 for 25. (AFP)