Harare, June 11: An all-round effort by the new-look side ensured that India defeated Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the first of the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series at the Harare Sports Club here on Saturday.
Chasing a paltry 169, debutant Lokesh Rahul (100 not out) and Ambati Rayudu (62 not out) put on an unbeaten 162-run stand for the second wicket to take India home without much fuss.
Rahul, who got to his century with a blistering six off medium pacer Hamilton Masakadza, has become the first Indian and overall 11th to reach the feat on debut.
With this win, India take a 1-0 lead in the series and will face the hosts in the second game on Monday.
