India Vs Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett hits 97* but India beat Zimbabwe

In the india vs zimbabwe Super 8s match, India completed a 72-run win that eliminated Zimbabwe from the tournament. India posted 256-4, the second highest total in T20 WC history, before Zimbabwe fell well short despite Brian Bennett's unbeaten 97.

By Millie Sian, Elizabeth Botcherby & Maisie Gallen

India post towering total

India's 256-4 was built on several big contributions. Sharma's rapid half-century set up the India total, Hardik hammers 50* off 23 and Tilak thrashes 44* off 16, combining to produce the huge score that stands as the second highest total in T20 WC history.

Brian Bennett's fighting innings

Brian Bennett hit an unbeaten 97 in the chase, but Zimbabwe fell well short of the target. Bennett's 97* was a standout in Zimbabwe's innings, yet it was not enough to prevent a 72-run defeat that eliminated Zimbabwe from the competition.

Reactions from captains and players

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza reflected on positives and shortcomings: "I am a guy who looks at a lot of the positives. The last game we got 250 and there was panic and rush in our batting line up. Today I thought we were more composed and we need to take a lot of positive and heart from this.

"We could have executed our defensive plans better as well and we gave too many runs away. Once the train goes, it is hard to get back. We could have restricted them to 210 or 220. But you can see how willing these boys are to improve. "

On the next game Raza said: "I am looking for a better fielding performance and hopefully we can continue our batting performance. If we do that, we have the best chance to win. "

Hardik praised and reflecting

India batter and Player of the Match Hardik Pandya spoke about his innings and role: "I am pretty happy. I had to reassess during my innings. I was trying to hit too hard and realised I can time the ball and hit sixes as well. Some games I have not done what I wanted, but today I am satisfied.

"We have all been keeping an eye on the games but it is about believing in your skill set and putting your best foot forward. We knew this was our game and we focused on that. "

On his form with the ball he added: "I like bowling with the new ball. I like bowling the inswing ball which I am grateful to have the gift for and that gives men the chance to take wickets and challenge the batters. "

Zimbabwe milestones and concerns

Despite the loss, Sikandar Raza's 31-run haul in the match saw him become Zimbabwe's first batter to reach 3000 runs in T20 internationals. The wider concern remains fielding: the coverage noted that "Zimbabwe need to go back to the drawing board with their fielding plans and look at how they are catching and fielding. This has been disappointing for the last two games. "

Tournament context and next fixtures

It was not the most drama-filled Super 8s match so far, but it did the job for Suryakumar Yadav's team; they live to fight another day at this year's T20 World Cup. Before today, these two teams had only met once at the T20 World Cup. That meeting came in 2022 when Suryakumar Yadav's unbeaten 25-ball 61 led India to a 71-run win.

Fans were urged to follow upcoming action: there is an England clash against New Zealand tomorrow. England might already be through, but New Zealand aren't. Matthew Henry's preview and live-text commentary will begin from 13: 00 GMT.

India completed a dominant 72-run victory, posting 256-4 and eliminating Zimbabwe despite Bennett's 97*. The match combined big hitting, a notable personal milestone for Sikandar Raza and ongoing questions over Zimbabwe's fielding.