Perth, Feb 03: India made heavy weather of reaching a modest target as they beat Zimbabwe by four wickets in Perth. Teenager paceman Irfan Pathan took two wickets in his first over and returned figures of 4-24 as Zimbabwe were bowled out for just 135.

But careless shots cost India early wickets and it could have been even worse if Zimbabwe had not dropped two catches and given away 14 wides.

India reached 136-6 off 30.3 overs with Hemang Badani 34 not out.
But he was lucky to escape on eight when Zimbabwe skipper Heath Streak missed a straightforward chance at point as Badani cut a ball from Travis Friend.

VVS Laxman was the other batsman let off by the Africans as Stuart Carlisle, running back from slip, failed to hang onto a top-edged hook shot. Bureau Report