(Image source from: Kohli)

In the first ODI match of the five-match Bilateral Series between India and Zimbabwe, world champion India registered a 1-0 lead after posting a 6-wicket triumph against the host team at the Harare Sports Club.

With this, stand-in skipper of the Indian team, Virat Kohli emerged as the fastest batsman in the history of cricket to score 15 one-day international centuries in his 106th match, eclipsing Pakistan batsmen Saeed Anwar's world record of scoring the same on his143rd ODI. It was his magnificent 115 (108b, 13x4, 1x6) that helped India cruise to a six-wicket win.

Kohli's fantabulous innings was backed by debutant Ambati Rayudu (63), whose 159-run partnership helped sail team India to a relatively easy victory, after openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma were dismissed early in the game. With this, the debut cricketer scored his first half century.

Acknowledging coach Fletcher's role in the win, Captain Kohli ahead of the first ODI told the press: "Guys who have played here before have shared that input, but Duncan has been a great help, not just for this series but overall since he's been coach."

"He had really difficult times initially and was criticized a lot, but he's stuck with the team and stayed strong and we've seen the results now. We're really benefiting from all the experience he has -- he has the best cricketing brain in the world and just has so much knowledge about the game. Him and Trevor Penney are both really excited to be here because they haven't been here for a while, so it's a good feeling to have both of them who've played here, helping us in that department," the firts-time, full stint skipper added.

AW: Suchorita Dutta