Abhishek Sharma returned to form with a scorching fifty, Hardik Pandya hammered a half-century and Tilak Varma calmed concerns about strike-rate in India’s decisive 72-run victory over Zimbabwe in Chennai on Thursday, keeping the defending champions in the running for the T20 World Cup semifinals.
India scored an impressive 256/4, the highest total in this edition of the ICC showcase and their highest total ever in T20 World Cups, in addition to checking off a number of boxes in their crucial Super Eight encounter.
India’s victory guaranteed South Africa’s (4 points) spot in the tournament’s final four from Group 1, putting the hosts and the West Indies in a simulated elimination match at Kolkata on March 1. As they enter their last group stage match, India and the West Indies both have two points.
After defeating Zimbabwe, India now need to beat West Indies on Sunday in their Super Eights clash to qualify for the semi-finals after they suffered a big defeat against South Africa.
South Africa, who defeated the West Indies by nine wickets earlier on Thursday, was assured of a spot in the final four by the defeat of Zimbabwe.
Despite a strong start, Zimbabwe, who shocked Australia and Sri Lanka to get to the Super Eights, were never in the running since the required run rate kept increasing. As his team left the semi-final reckoning with a game remaining, opener Brian Bennett was not out of 97, the highest individual score by a Zimbabwean in T20 World Cup history.
India left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh claimed 3/24 in his four overs.
Zimbabwe bowlers let up 510 runs in 40 overs in two Super Eights matches after the West Indies had smashed 254/6 against the tournament’s surprise packages on Monday.
Earlier, India reached 256/4, the second-highest total in the tournament’s history, thanks to scorching fifties from opener Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya.
Before Pandya completed on an unbeaten 50, left-handed Abhishek, who had battled with three ducks in four innings throughout this event, scored a 30-ball 55.
India bettered the West Indies’ 254/6 against Zimbabwe on Monday thanks to an unbeaten stand of 84 from Pandya and left-handed Tilak Varma, who smashed a 16-ball 44.
The only team to score more in a T20 World Cup match is Sri Lanka, who smashed 260/6 against Kenya in 2007.
Abhishek and Ishan Kishan’s left-handed opening combo was broken by wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson, who rejoined the team and gave India a quick start with fours and sixes.
When Samson was dismissed for 24 by Blessing Muzarabani, Abhishek continued to hit around till spin was added and Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza tried to rally the team.
Abhishek put on 72 runs with Kishan, reaching his fifty off 26 balls. Off-spinner Raza ended the stand when he got Kishan caught at short third-man for 38. India’s strong finish was made possible by Abhishek’s knock after he was caught by Tinotenda Maposa at long-on.
