India overcame a frustratingly-long late order Zimbabwe fightback before recording their first series win outside the sub-continent in almost 19 years with an emphatic 10-wicket victory over the minnows in the second and finalTest today.
The Indians allowed Zimbabwe to avoid an innings defeat with some poor fielding as the hosts managed to score 223 in their second innings before the openers rattled up the 19 required runs to clinch the series 2-0 at the Harare Sports Club.
It was India's first series win outside the sub-continent since their 2-0 triumph against England in 1986 but Saurav Ganguly and his men would not be too pleased with their efforts on the field today.
Although the visitors managed to wrap up the match in two-and-half days, they allowed the Zimbabwean lower order batsmen to hang around for much too long on a track which favoured the seamers.
Hamilton Masakadza (71) and Andy Blignaut (84 not out) were the main performers as the duo put on a record 116-run seventh wicket partnership which helped the home team avoid the ignominy of an innings defeat.
Blignaut, who was dropped thrice in succession of Zaheer Khan, launched a blistering attack on the Indian bowlers as the hosts scored at a very brisk pace, compiling as many as 151 runs in the pre-lunch session.