While the conclusion of the two matches ended with expected results, the flow and tempo were quite different. In the all-African fixture, Zimbabwe turned up for their match against South Africa with a purpose and on a sticky wicket gave the Proteas an introductory scare through some accurate bowling. After losing their top-order in a hurry, the South Africans rallied with a record breaking fifth wicket partnership that was not only a classic but in reality quite brutal. From a score of 83 for 4 in 20 overs, David Miller and Jean Paul Duminy plundered the Zimbabwean bowling in savagery fashion as the wicket gradually became batting-friendly. Chasing 340 to win may have been out of reach but Zimbabwe did a respectful job of making the effort as they reached 277. This is certainly not the same Zimbabwe team that got annihilated in Bangladesh a few months back.
Meanwhile, as expected, India came out strong with their batting against Pakistan. The Adelaide pitch was flat as ever. This is not the same pitch that Australia used in the Test match against India.
Their one-sided win once again proved the maturity of the Indian team. Led by the ever-reliant Virat Kohli, India paced its innings in a planned and controlled fashion, never getting flustered at any stage. A penultimate collapse in the last five overs stopped the Indians from getting to an unassailable target of 330-plus. However, results proved that 300 was more than enough to contain this brash Pakistan batting line-up. The over-cautious approach of its top-order made the ordinary Indian bowling look overtly menacing. Ahmed Shehzad, unlike the Indians, failed to rotate the strike and played too many dot balls.
This win has set the tone for the Indians who, after some questionable performances since the Australian Test series, have regained their confidence. Pakistan, on the other hand, is bruised and will have to ask Younis to voluntarily exit from the ODI format.
The author is a former Bangladesh national cricketer, vice captain and first centurion who writes from New York for Bangladesh fans all across the globe.