India made hard work of a small run chase before sending Zimbabwe crashing out of the tri series cricket competition without a win in Perth.

The Indians again struggled to adjust to the added pace and bounce of the WACA pitch before registering a four-wicket win by overhauling Zimbabwe's modest total of 135 in the 31st over.

Hemang Badani (34no) and Irfan Pathan (3no) were the unbeaten batsmen as Zimbabwe failed to record a win from its eighth attempt in this competition against both of last year's World Cup finalists.

Pathan (4-24 off 10 overs) was named man of the match after setting up the victory with the most successful spell of his short one-day career as the African batsmen again let their side down.

However it was a far from impressive batting performance from India before the opening match of the best-of-three finals against Australia starting Friday in Melbourne.

Opener Sachin Tendulkar (3) fell early to Heath Streak before Virender Sehwag (23) was dismissed in near identical fashion to his innings on Sunday against Australia, caught at third man.

Rahul Dravid (10) came to the crease following a 45-minute tea break but Blignaut sent a tremor through the Indian dressing room when he had the acting skipper playing on.

They turned to shockwaves when Yuvraj Singh (4) hit a lazy shot to Travis Friend at third man off Sean Ervine's first over.

However, the Africans were unable to hold onto their catches with Heath Streak grassing Badani on eight and Stuart Carlisle dropping Laxman on 25 after earlier missing Sehwag on 18.

Zimbabwe was given a sniff when an Ervine ball smashed into Laxman's throat before falling onto his stumps to be 5-105.

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