He was purring along at 77 towards what would have been a record 18th hundred (Desmond Haynes is the biggest one-day century maker with 17) when he hit Sohail down Inzaman's throat at midwicket. As he dragged himself away from the wicketthe gentry at the pavilion gave him an ovation for not so much for the runs he made but the attitude he displayed. Azhar stroked his way to his 7th hundred -- the first by an Indian at Toronto -- looking his usual elegant self after the usual early innings struggle. The amazing thing about the Indian captain is the unobtrusiveness with which he makes runs, a flick here, a nudge there and before anyone realises it, he off and away past a half century. He brought up the first Indian century with straight six of Saqlain, who bowled with masterly cunning, and was out caught and bowled next ball. The rest of the innings spluttered, but Zimbabwe discard Sunil Joshi savaged 19 in seven balls as India steamed past 250. They can go back with a consolation win if they bowl and field well.

India:

S Ganguly c Inzamam b Mahmood 9, S Tendulkar c Inzamam b Sohail 77, N Sidhu b Mahmood 0, M Azharuddin c and b Saqlain 101, A Jadeja b Afridi 5, N Mongia c Afridi b Saqlain 8, S Raul lbw Saqlain 0, J Srinath c Moin bSohail 10, A Agarkar not out 15, S Joshi c Inzamam b Saqlain 19. Extras (lb-2, w-2, nb-8) 12. Total (for nine in 50 overs): 256.