India Vs Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett hits 97* but India eliminate Zimbabwe in 72-run Super 8s win
India secured a 72-run victory that eliminated Zimbabwe from the tournament, a result built on a 256-4 team total and big late hitting. The india vs zimbabwe match produced a stunning individual knock from Brian Bennett but was dominated by India's batting depth.
Massive India total: 256-4 and standout hitters
India's 256-4 — described in the match account as the second-highest total in T20 World Cup history — set the tone for the Super 8s clash. Sharma's rapid half-century helped set up that total, while Hardik Pandya hammered 50 not out off 23 balls and Tilak thrashed 44 not out off 16, giving India a powerful finish to their innings.
Bennett's 97* and Zimbabwe's chase
Brian Bennett produced an unbeaten 97 but Zimbabwe fell well short of the target. Despite Bennett's effort, the chase could not match India's 256-4 and ended with Zimbabwe 72 runs adrift, consigning them to elimination from the competition.
Sikandar Raza on the innings, 31 runs and a milestone
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza scored 31 in the match; that 31-run haul made him Zimbabwe's first batter to reach 3, 000 runs in T20 internationals. Raza said he focuses on positives, noting that after a previous game where his side posted 250 there had been panic and rush in the batting line-up. He judged that today the team were more composed and that they should take heart from that improvement.
Raza calls out fielding and defensive planning
Raza was candid about the fielding and defensive shortcomings, saying they could have executed their defensive plans better and gave too many runs away. He suggested Zimbabwe might have restricted India to 210 or 220, and warned that once the train goes it is hard to get back. Looking ahead, he said he is seeking a better fielding performance and hopes the batting will continue; if both improve, he believes they have the best chance to win their next game. The team have been disappointed by catching and fielding in the last two games and need to return to the drawing board on those plans.
Hardik Pandya named Player of the Match and his perspective
India batter and Player of the Match Hardik Pandya said he was pleased with his innings, explaining he had to reassess during the knock after initially trying to hit too hard and then realising he could time the ball and still clear the ropes. He said some games had not gone to plan but that on this occasion he was satisfied. Pandya also spoke about his bowling, saying he likes bowling with the new ball and that his inswing gives bowlers a chance to take wickets and challenge batters.
Tournament context and what to read next
The match was described as a Super 8s fixture and not the most drama-filled of the stage, but it delivered a crucial result: India live to fight another day at this year's T20 World Cup while Zimbabwe were eliminated. Before today, these two teams had only met once at the T20 World Cup, in 2022, when Suryakumar Yadav's unbeaten 25-ball 61 led India to a 71-run win.
Readers were pointed to Elizabeth Botcherby's match report for fuller detail if they missed action from India's 72-run victory. Coverage continues tomorrow with England's clash against New Zealand; the preview by Matthew Henry and live-text commentary are scheduled to start at 13: 00 GMT.
Reporters on this dispatch: Millie Sian, Elizabeth Botcherby and Maisie Gallen.
