Elton Chigumbura's heroic 104 not out was in vain as Zimbabwe fell agonisingly short of victory in the first of three one-day internationals against India at Harare Sports Club on Friday.

Zimbabwe appeared to be out of the game after slumping to 160 for six as they chased India's 255 for six, but after carrying the hosts to within six runs of victory, Chigumbura failed to strike the final blow.