India Crush Zimbabwe to Keep Semi-Final Hopes Alive as Abhishek and Pandya Shine

By Sadia Khan :

India delivered a commanding all-round performance to secure a 72-run victory over Zimbabwe in their Super Eights clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Thursday, keeping their T20 World Cup semi-final aspirations firmly alive.

The win marked India’s first success in the Super Eights stage and, combined with other results, confirmed Zimbabwe’s elimination from the tournament while securing South Africa’s passage to the knockout rounds.

Daunting Total Set

Sent in to bat first after Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza won the toss and opted to field, India’s batting unit fired in spectacular fashion to post an imposing 256 for four from their twenty overs.

The innings received early impetus from new opening pair Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, who added 48 runs at a rapid pace before Samson departed for a 15-ball 24. Sharma then combined with Ishan Kishan in a 72-run stand that further strengthened India’s grip on the contest.

Kishan contributed 38 from 24 deliveries before falling to Raza in the eleventh over. Sharma continued his aggressive approach, reaching his fifty from just 30 balls, before departing for 55, his innings featuring four sixes and an equal number of fours.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav maintained the momentum with a blistering 33 from 13 balls, including three sixes, before Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya delivered a devastating finish. The pair added an unbeaten 84 runs for the fifth wicket, with Pandya smashing an unbeaten 50 from 23 deliveries featuring four sixes, while Varma remained not out on 44 from just 16 balls, striking four sixes and three fours.

For Zimbabwe, Richard Ngarava, Tinotenda Maposa, Blessing Muzarabani and captain Raza each claimed one wicket.

Zimbabwe’s Response Falls Short

Chasing a daunting target, Zimbabwe’s innings was anchored by opener Brian Bennett, who produced a remarkable solo effort. The right-hander remained unbeaten on 97 from 59 deliveries, striking eight fours and six sixes in a display of defiance against the Indian bowling attack.

Bennett found support from fellow opener Tadiwanashe Marumani, who made 20, and captain Raza, who contributed 31. However, regular wickets at the other end prevented Zimbabwe from building sustained partnerships to challenge the required rate.

Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh was the pick of India’s bowlers, claiming three wickets for 24 runs from his four overs. Varun Chakravarthy, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel each picked up one wicket as Zimbabwe finished on 184 for six at the end of their twenty overs.

Tournament Implications

The result has significant ramifications for Group 1. India’s victory, combined with South Africa’s unbeaten record, confirms the Proteas’ qualification for the semi-finals. Zimbabwe’s campaign ends with the defeat.

India now have two points from two matches, level with the West Indies, setting up a virtual quarter-final between the two sides in Kolkata on Sunday. The winner of that contest will join South Africa in the semi-finals from Group 1.