India are eyeing early wickets as Zimbabwe begin their daunting chase of 257 runs in a must-win Super Eight encounter of the ICC T20 World Cup at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday night.
After being put in to bat, the hosts produced a batting masterclass, piling up a staggering 256 for four — their highest-ever total in T20 World Cup history and the overall highest score recorded in the tournament’s history.
Abhishek Sharma Silences Critics With Blazing Fifty
The foundation for India’s mammoth total was laid by Abhishek Sharma, who roared back to form after a forgettable start to the competition. Having endured three consecutive ducks earlier in the tournament, the left-hander responded in emphatic fashion with a fearless 30-ball 55.
Abhishek’s innings, laced with clean strikes and audacious stroke play, gave India the early momentum they desperately needed in a high-stakes match. His aggressive approach ensured Zimbabwe’s bowlers were under pressure right from the powerplay.
Hardik Pandya’s Late Blitz Lifts India Beyond 250
If Abhishek set the platform, Hardik Pandya delivered the knockout punch. Walking in during the latter half of the innings, the all-rounder unleashed a brutal assault, smashing an unbeaten 50 off just 23 deliveries.
Pandya’s calculated aggression in the death overs dismantled Zimbabwe’s bowling plans and ensured India crossed the 250-run mark — a psychological milestone in T20 cricket.
Tilak Varma’s Cameo Adds Final Flourish
Complementing Pandya’s fireworks was Tilak Varma, who produced a stunning cameo of 44 not out off just 14 balls. The duo stitched together an unbeaten 84-run stand in merely 31 balls, turning a strong total into a record-shattering one.
Their late surge propelled India to 256/4, setting Zimbabwe an imposing target of 257 to stay alive in the tournament.
Zimbabwe Face Monumental Task
For Zimbabwe, the equation is simple yet daunting: chase down the highest total ever posted in a T20 World Cup match to keep their campaign alive. The pitch at Chepauk has traditionally assisted spinners, and India’s bowlers will look to exploit any assistance available under lights.
With such a massive total on the board, early wickets could all but seal the contest for India. However, in the unpredictable format of T20 cricket, momentum can shift quickly.
As the chase unfolds, all eyes remain on whether Zimbabwe can script a historic run chase — or if India’s record-breaking batting display will prove insurmountable.