India beat Zimbabwe by 72 runs, stay alive in semi-final race

India returned to winning ways with a commanding 72-run victory over Zimbabwe on Thursday in Chennai.

After losing to South Africa in their Super 8 opener, India came into this clash knowing it was a must-win to keep their semi-final hopes alive — and they delivered emphatically.

Put in to bat after Zimbabwe opted to field, India unleashed a batting masterclass. Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya led the charge with explosive half-centuries, powering the side to a daunting 256/4.


Zimbabwe responded with intent, and Brian Bennett produced a sensational unbeaten 97, fighting almost single-handedly to keep the chase alive. However, the target proved too steep, as Zimbabwe finished on 184/6.

Earlier, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza won the toss and chose to field, hoping to put India under early pressure. But in what came as a massive relief for the Indian camp, Abhishek Sharma rediscovered his touch at the perfect moment. The left-hander played with freedom and authority, smashing a scintillating half-century to lay the foundation in this must-win Super Eight clash.

It was a clinical, all-round performance from the Men in Blue as Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya struck impressive half-centuries, perfectly backed by a sharp and disciplined spell from Arshdeep Singh, to seal a commanding win over a dangerous Zimbabwe side in a do-or-die encounter.

The victory has now set up a virtual knockout for the second semifinal berth, with India set to face West Indies next. South Africa have already booked their place in the last four after winning both their Super Eight matches.

India’s batting firepower was on full display. Abhishek Sharma led the charge with a fluent 55 off 30 balls, with the help of four boundaries and four sixes. Hardik Pandya provided the late surge with a blistering unbeaten 50 off just 23 deliveries, smashing two fours and four sixes, while Tilak Varma added the finishing touches with a breathtaking 44 not out off 16 balls, with three fours and four towering sixes.

In response, Zimbabwe showed admirable fight. Brian Bennett stood tall with a magnificent unbeaten 97 off 59 balls, striking eight fours and six sixes, while skipper Sikandar Raza chipped in with a brisk 31 off 21 deliveries. However, the target was always daunting, and Arshdeep Singh’s impressive figures of 3 for 24 ensured India stayed firmly in control as Zimbabwe finished on 184/6 in 20 overs.