Videocon Triangular Series, 2005-06

At Harare, September 2, 2005. India won by six wickets. India 5 pts, New Zealand 1 pt. Toss: New Zealand.

New Zealand paid for resting Bond and Vettori with their only tour defeat. Fleming hoped to challenge his second string, but they proved wanting, as India - especially Kaif - made light of a stiff target. None of the New Zealand batsmen wholly took command, and brilliant run-outs by Agarkar and Yuvraj Singh checked the innings at crucial moments. Without Bond, their opening bowlers floundered against the forceful Sehwag, who put on 66 in seven overs with Ganguly. Then Kaif batted with such fluency, placement and well-judged running between the wickets that observers wondered why he could not do it more often. He hit 11 fours in 102 off 121 balls.

Man of the Match: M. Kaif.