Chennai: India have strengthened their position in the T20 World Cup with a 72-run victory over Zimbabwe, eliminating their opponents and keeping their own semi-final hopes alive. The T20 World Cup encounter has unfolded in emphatic fashion as India piled up 256-4 before restricting Zimbabwe to 107-8 in reply.
The total of 256-4 has become the second highest in T20 World Cup history, behind Sri Lanka’s 260-6 in 2007. Abhishek Sharma has led the charge with 55 from 30 balls, setting the tone early despite recent struggles. Sanju Samson contributed a quick 24, while Ishan Kishan added 38 during a key second-wicket partnership.
India accelerated sharply in the closing overs. Hardik Pandya reached an unbeaten 50 from 23 balls, striking a six off the final delivery, while Tilak Varma produced 44 not out from just 16 deliveries. The pair added 84 runs in the final 5.1 overs, lifting India beyond the 250 mark for the fifth time in men’s T20 internationals.
Zimbabwe’s chase began with promise through Brian Bennett, who compiled 97 from 59 balls and registered another half-century in the tournament. However, limited support from the middle order meant the required run rate quickly escalated beyond reach.
India’s bowlers capitalised on early breakthroughs, reducing Zimbabwe to 29-4 inside nine overs. The defeat has ended Zimbabwe’s unbeaten run from the group stage and exposed fielding lapses, including multiple dropped catches that proved costly.
With the T20 World Cup Super 8s stage nearing its conclusion, India now sit level on points with West Indies and require victory in Kolkata to secure a place in the semi-finals. The final group fixture has therefore become decisive for India’s qualification hopes.
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