In a high-scoring thriller at Chennai, India produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat Zimbabwe by 72 runs in their must-win Super Eight clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Thursday.
The emphatic victory keeps India’s semifinal hopes alive, setting up a virtual quarter-final against West Indies on Sunday.
India Post Record 256/4 – Highest Total of the Tournament
After Zimbabwe opted to bowl first, India’s batting line-up unleashed a run-fest.
Top Performers (India)
- Abhishek Sharma – 55 (30 balls)
- Hardik Pandya – 50* (23 balls)
- Tilak Varma – 44* (14 balls)
- Ishan Kishan – 38
- Suryakumar Yadav – 33
- Sanju Samson – 24
Abhishek Sharma set the tone with a blistering 30-ball 55, adding 48 runs for the opening wicket with Samson. The middle order maintained the tempo before Hardik Pandya delivered a sensational finish.
Pandya and Tilak Varma stitched together an unbeaten 84-run partnership off just 31 deliveries, powering India to 256 for 4 — the highest total of this World Cup edition.
💪 Zimbabwe’s Fightback Falls Short
Chasing a mammoth target, Zimbabwe showed resistance but never truly threatened the asking rate.
Zimbabwe Highlights
- Brian Bennett – 97*
- Zimbabwe total: 184/6 (20 overs)
Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 97 was a lone warrior effort, but regular wickets and scoreboard pressure proved too much.
India pacer Arshdeep Singh was the standout bowler with figures of 3 for 24, helping restrict Zimbabwe to 184 for six.
📊 Match Summary
- India: 256/4 (20 overs)
- Zimbabwe: 184/6 (20 overs)
- Result: India won by 72 runs
- Venue: Chennai
🔜 What’s Next?
India now face West Indies cricket team in a knockout-style clash on Sunday. The winner advances to the semifinals, while the loser will be eliminated from the tournament.
With momentum firmly on their side after this explosive batting display, India head into the decisive encounter brimming with confidence.