A commanding all-round display kept India’s campaign on track as they overwhelmed Zimbabwe by 72 runs in a crucial Super Eight clash of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Chennai on Thursday.
Explosive half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya powered India to a tournament-best 256/4 after being put in to bat. Abhishek set the tone early with a rapid 55 off just 30 deliveries, stitching together a 48-run opening stand with Sanju Samson (24).
The momentum continued through the middle overs as Ishan Kishan (38) and Suryakumar Yadav (33) played aggressive cameos. The real carnage, however, came at the death. Pandya blazed an unbeaten 50 off 23 balls, while Tilak Varma smashed 44 not out from only 14 deliveries. The duo added a stunning 84 runs in just 31 balls to lift India to the highest total of this year’s competition.
In reply, Brian Bennett top-scored with an unbeaten 97, but Zimbabwe were restricted to 184 for six in their 20 overs. India pacer Arshdeep Singh was the most successful bowler with figures of three for 24. India will now face West Indies in a virtual quarter-final on Sunday. The winner of the contest will enter the semi-final, while the loser will be knocked out.
