Ind Vs Zim: Kumble warns as India post 256/4 in Chennai
Former India captain Anil Kumble warned against complacency ahead of ind vs zim in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Super Eight clash in Chennai on Thursday. India, under pressure after a 76-run defeat to Aiden Markram’s South Africa, replied with a commanding 256/4 at the Chepauk while Zimbabwe were 105/2 in 14 overs in their chase.
Kumble’s stark pre-match warning
Anil Kumble told the side they must avoid complacency and stick to an aggressive approach while respecting Zimbabwe’s recent form. He said India head into the contest under pressure after the 76-run defeat to Aiden Markram’s South Africa in their opening Super 8 fixture, a loss that left them in a must-win situation. Kumble said India need victories over Zimbabwe and West Indies and must significantly improve their poor Net Run Rate of -3. 800 to stay in contention.
Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans
Kumble highlighted Zimbabwe’s impressive group-stage campaign, noting that they beat Australia and chased down 179 against co-hosts Sri Lanka on Sri Lankan soil. He praised Zimbabwe’s top four batters as being in excellent form and underlined the influence of their tall fast bowlers Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans, saying they had been outstanding with the ball, especially in the Powerplay, making life difficult for opposition batters with bounce and movement.
India’s record chase-busting innings
It was carnage at the Chepauk as India posted 256/4 in the Super Eight clash, the highest total of the edition and the second-highest in T20 World Cup history. The innings overhauled the 254/6 posted by West Indies three nights earlier and moved India into the No. 2 spot overall, four short of Sri Lanka's all-time high of 260 in 2007. India struck 17 sixes and 17 fours, compiling 170 runs in boundaries in a dominant display.
Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma standout
Sanju Samson returned to the team and opened with Abhishek Sharma, Samson belting the second ball of the innings for a six before falling in the fourth over as India raced to 80/1 in the powerplay. Abhishek Sharma produced his maiden T20I fifty, bringing up his half-century in 26 balls and finishing 55 off 30 with four fours and four sixes. Every Indian batter contributed as the side passed 150 in the 13th over, 200 in the 17th, and 250 in the final over.
Final flourish: Pandya and Tilak Varma
Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma put on an unbeaten fifth-wicket partnership of 84 in 31 balls, with Tilak Varma 44 not out. Pandya struck two sixes off the last two balls to bring up his 50 in 23 balls and push India to that record 256/4.
Zimbabwe’s chase and Brian Bennett
Zimbabwe’s chase of 257 had not taken off fully; they were 105/2 in 14 overs when earlier reports noted Brian Bennett was standing up with another half-century. Bennett took on Jasprit Bumrah, sending a short ball for six to bring up his 50 in 36 balls. Axar Patel marked his return to the playing XI by dismissing Tadiwanashe Marumani with his second delivery, and Varun Chakaravarthy removed Dion Myers.
Overs, wickets and key moments
Ball-by-ball detail captured tight moments in the chase: one over yielded 26 runs after a wide and a no-ball followed by a free-hit six; Bennett hit two sixes and a four off an Axar Patel over; Raza repeatedly found deep midwicket and cover with big hits; a Bumrah over contained four singles and a six, leaving the seamer at 0-21 at that stage. Zimbabwe’s required rate climbed above 21 at one point, and observers noted that the partnership featuring Bennett and Raza could at least make the contest interesting. The chase also featured at least two regulation catches dropped by Zimbabwe.
Before the game, Kumble emphasised India must not underestimate Zimbabwe: "India need to play their natural, aggressive brand of cricket against Zimbabwe. But Zimbabwe are going to be a tough opponent, and they must be respected. They have delivered some strong performances. They beat Australia. They chased down 179 against Sri Lanka on Sri Lankan soil. They have convincingly beaten Australia. Their top four batters have been in excellent form. Their tall fast bowlers, Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans, have been outstanding with the ball, especially in the Powerplay. "
He added: "India cannot take them lightly. They need to be at the top of their game. Any individual who gets going must make it count. You cannot assume the next batter will do the job. In the T20 World Cup, there are no ifs and buts. You have to go out and deliver as an individual. So yes, you hope for the right result, but India must focus on doing what they need to do. "
Closing: The Super Eight clash in Chennai left India with a strong total to defend and Zimbabwe facing a steep required rate as the match moved deeper into the chase.
