Pacer Mohammed Siraj produced an impressive spell in India's series-clinching five-wicket victory in the second ODI against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club on Saturday (August 20).

Siraj, who had picked one for 36 in the first ODI, returned with the figures of 1/16 in his eight overs including two maidens as the visitors bundled out the hosts for a paltry 161 in 38.1 overs.

Speaking after the game, Siraj said bowling consistently in the right areas without worrying about wickets was the key to his success.

"In West Indies and England also I bowled well, my rhythm was good in the first match as well, so my plan was to hit an area consistently without worrying whether I will get wickets or not," the fast bowler said in the post-match press conference.

While Siraj has impressed one and all in red-ball cricket with 40 wickets in 13 Tests, he never appeared that threatening in the white-ball format.

Asked if he had made any changes for the limited-overs cricket, Siraj said: "I just kept belief on myself, because ups and downs are part of everyone's life, so I just kept belief [sic] that I can do it no matter if it is a white ball or red ball.”

"So just wanted to keep hitting the right areas and bowl dot balls to build up pressure on the opposition. Starting with the new ball, I went for wickets a few times but as you know white ball doesn't swing much, so I was planning to consistently hit one area and bowl maiden overs."

In reply, the Men in Blue overhauled the target in 25.4 overs. While the tourists lost their four wickets inside 100 runs, Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 43 off 39 balls eventually took them over the line with ease.

Asked if they were nervous at any stage during the chase, Siraj said, "Because the total was 160 or something. We were 100 for 4 but there was no panic in the dressing room because we needed just 40 runs after Ishan Kishan's wicket."

(With PTI inputs)