India kept their T20 World Cup campaign alive with a commanding 72-run victory over Zimbabwe in the Super Eight stage at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Thursday.
The result secured India’s first win in the Super Eights, eliminated Zimbabwe from the tournament, and confirmed South Africa’s qualification, while setting up a decisive final group match against West Indies.
After being asked to bat first, India produced their highest T20 World Cup total of 256 for four, a score built on aggressive strokeplay and sustained momentum throughout.
Explosive start lays foundation
Openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma raced to a 48-run partnership before Blessing Muzarabani dismissed Samson for 24 off 15 balls in the fourth over, providing Zimbabwe brief relief.
Abhishek responded with his maiden World Cup half-century in 26 balls, scoring 55 from 30 deliveries, and shared a 72-run stand with Ishan Kishan, who made 38.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav hit 33 off 13 balls, while Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya added 84 unbeaten runs, as India struck 17 sixes and Ngarava conceded 62 runs.
Bennett’s lone resistance
Chasing 257, Zimbabwe managed 184 for six despite a spirited unbeaten 97 from opener Brian Bennett, who struck eight fours and six sixes in his 59-ball innings.
He added useful stands with Tadiwanashe Marumani, who scored 20, and Raza, who contributed 31 while also passing 3,000 T20 international runs.
However, the required rate climbed beyond reach as India’s bowlers maintained control across the middle and closing overs.
Arshdeep leads disciplined attack
Left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh returned figures of three for 24, becoming India’s leading wicket-taker in T20 World Cups with 34 wickets.
Varun Chakravarthy, Shivam Dube and Axar Patel claimed one wicket each as Zimbabwe fell short despite Bennett’s resistance.
The victory means India’s final Super Eight match against West Indies will effectively determine a semi-final place, with both sides level on points heading into Sunday’s contest.
