An unbeaten century (105 not out) by Kedar Jadhav and a flamboyant innings from Manish Pandey (71) made sure that India had a challenging total of 276/5 in the third and final One-Day International (ODI) against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club here on Tuesday.
The duo put on 144 runs after coming together at 82/4. Pandey finished with 71 off 86 deliveries, while his partner Jadhav top-scored with an unbeaten 105 off 87 balls.
For Zimbabwe, Neville Madzive was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 2/59 in nine overs.
The hosts picked up early wickets bowling a tight line and length. Indian skipper Ajinkya Rahane (15) was the first to get out, followed by his opening partner Murali Vijay (13).
Manoj Tiwary (10)and Robin Uthappa (31) put on a 35-run third wicket partnership before perishing in quick succession to leave India in trouble at 82/4 in the 22nd over.
But Manish Pandey and Jadhav took this in their stride and weaved a useful partnership.
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The Pandey-Jadav pair went along without much struggle with Pandey being the aggressor. Both batsmen took a liking for legspinner Graeme Cremer belting him for 10 runs in the 36th over.
They reached the 200-run mark in the 44th over. Pandey fell thereafter holding out in the deep but his partner continued the onslaught hammering 15 runs off the 48th over.
Stuart Binny (18 off 8 balls) too provided some fireworks in the end to take his side to the challenging total.