Ind Vs Zim: ind vs zim — India 256/4, beat Zimbabwe by 72 runs at Chepauk
India's emphatic response in the ind vs zim Super Eight clash came in Chennai as the defending champions posted 256/4 and completed a 72-run victory over Zimbabwe, a result that follows a warning from Anil Kumble for India to avoid complacency. The win alters the immediate stakes in the Super Eights ahead of a decisive tie with West Indies.
Kumble's warning before Ind Vs Zim in Chennai
Former India captain Anil Kumble warned India not to be complacent ahead of the Super 8 meeting with Zimbabwe in Chennai on Thursday, urging the Men in Blue to back their natural aggressive brand while remaining wary of Zimbabwe's threat. Speaking on JioHotstar, Kumble pointed to Zimbabwe's group-stage form — a win over Australia and a successful chase of 179 against Sri Lanka — and highlighted fast bowlers Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans for their bounce and movement in the Powerplay.
Kumble underlined the urgency after India had suffered a 76-run defeat to Aiden Markram’s South Africa in their opening Super 8 fixture, a loss that left India in a must-win position and needing victories over Zimbabwe and West Indies while also significantly improving a Net Run Rate of -3. 800 to stay in contention.
Batting carnage at Chepauk: India post 256/4
At Chepauk India piled up 256/4, the highest total of this edition and the second-highest in T20 World Cup history. Half-centuries by Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya powered the total — Sharma made his maiden T20I fifty, bringing up 55 off 30 with four fours and four sixes after opening alongside Sanju Samson, who returned to the XI and smacked the second ball of the innings for six before falling in the fourth over.
India struck 17 sixes and 17 fours, totalling 170 runs in boundaries, and raced to 80/1 in the powerplay. The side reached 150 in the 13th over, 200 in the 17th, and crossed 250 in the final over, with Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma adding an unbeaten 84 in 31 balls for the fifth wicket; Pandya finished with a 50 from 23 balls and struck two sixes off the last two deliveries to take India to that record high.
Zimbabwe reply and Brian Bennett's lone fight
Zimbabwe made a steady start, reaching 44/0 in the powerplay, but Axar Patel — returning to the playing XI — removed opener Tadiwanashe Marumani with his second ball. Brian Bennett produced a valiant 97 not out and had earlier reached a fifty in 36 balls, even striking a six off Jasprit Bumrah to bring up that milestone, but support was limited beyond Sikandar Raza's 31 and Bennett's effort.
Zimbabwe were held to 184/6, handing India a 72-run victory and ending Zimbabwe's run in the tournament despite their breakthrough into the Super Eights by beating Australia and Sri Lanka for the first time to reach this stage.
Fielding, bowling and individual moments
The Zimbabwe bowlers were largely at sea against India's hitters, compounded by sloppy fielding that included at least two regulation drops. Sanju Samson's quick start, Sharma's 55, Pandya's 50 and Tilak Varma's unbeaten 44 were all key contributions. Axar Patel's early strike and Jasprit Bumrah's role in attempting to check the chase were notable, but Zimbabwe's missed chances and India's power hitting decided the contest.
Implications for the Super Eights and voices from both captains
South Africa have already booked a final-four spot, leaving India's remaining Super Eight match against West Indies on Sunday as an essentially knockout game, with the winner progressing. Earlier pre-match calculations had said India needed wins over Zimbabwe and West Indies plus an improved Net Run Rate of -3. 800 to stay in contention; the victory over Zimbabwe addresses one part of that equation.
After the match India’s captain said, “We wanted to leave everything behind – we didn’t think about the group stage or the last game. We looked at everything with our analysts, and we performed. They batted very smartly, but we could have been better with the bowling to take our smart options. A win is a win, but we could have been better with the ball. We will improve and tighten the screws against the West Indies. When we are in such situations [an effective knockout against West Indies], we will have to be more positive, but a day off tomorrow and relax. ”
The Zimbabwe captain reflected on his side's performance: “I look at a lot of positives. We were a lot more composed today compared to the last game. We can take heart, and that is what I’ll do. ” The live coverage of the match was signed off by Kevin Hand and Hafsa Adil.
