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India bounced back from Sunday's loss to the West Indies with a 68-run victory over Zimbabwe, despite a courageous century by all-rounder Malcolm Lake. Lake clubbed 10 fours and five sixes in a 107-ball knock but his side was still dismissed for 198 after being set a 262 run target by India.

India's right-armed medium-pacer Kamal Passi was outstanding with the ball, ripping through Zimbabwe's top order and ended with figures of 8-1-23-6 which later earned him the player of the match award.

Lake said this performance was up there with the best he has batted. "I was excited about the hundred but just sad we couldn't get it over the line," he said.

Zimbabwe coach Chris Harris said he had worked with Lake for a number of years. "As your saw today he is a tremendous striker of the ball and I have always seen him as a match winner.

"He is a very good all-rounder, what helped him a little bit today was that he bowled very well and put together a very good spell for us which helped keep us in the game and from that he gained some confidence with the bat," he said.

Earlier, India openers Prashant Chopra and captain Unmukt Chand provided their side a solid 139-run start. The middle-order batsmen made full use of the platform provided by the openers to help India finish at 261 for six in 50 overs.

Chand top scored with 78 (85b, 9x4, 3x6) while other notable batsmen were Chopra who scored 57 and Hanuman Vihari with 31 while for Zimbabwe Campbell Light finished with figures of three for 22 from seven overs.

Group C- India beat Zimbabwe by 63 runs, Tony Ireland Stadium, Townsville

India 261 for six, 50 overs (Unmukt Chand 78, Prashant Chopta 57, Hanuman Vihari 31; Campbell Light 3-22)

Zimbabwe 198 all out, 44.1 overs (Malcolm Lake 118; Kamal Passi 6-23)

Player of the Match - Kamal Passi (India)