India crush Zimbabwe by 72 runs to stay alive in T20 World Cup semifinal race

The commanding victory turned India’s final Group 1 fixture against West Indies on March 1 into a virtual knockout.

Powered by a late onslaught from Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma, India piled up a mammoth 256/4 — the highest total of the ongoing edition.

Recovering from a lean patch, opener Abhishek Sharma struck his maiden T20 World Cup half-century to provide a blazing start. The southpaw smashed 55 off 30 balls, laced with four boundaries and four sixes, laying the perfect platform for the fireworks that followed.

Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma then tore into the Zimbabwe attack with a breathtaking fifth-wicket stand. Hardik brought up his fifty off the final ball of the innings with a towering six and remained unbeaten on 84 off just 31 deliveries.

Tilak, who had been demoted in the batting order for this crucial encounter, made a bigger impact in the partnership, staying not out on a blistering 44 off only 16 balls, including three fours and four sixes. The duo added an unbeaten 84-run stand to propel India past the 250-mark.

In reply, Zimbabwe never seriously threatened India’s total, though Brian Bennett produced a spirited knock of 97 not out off 59 balls, striking eight fours and six sixes in a valiant but losing effort.

Zimbabwe finished at 184/6 in their 20 overs.

While the dominant win significantly boosted India’s net run rate — which had taken a hit after the 76-run defeat to South Africa — the bowling unit will have areas to reflect upon ahead of Sunday’s high-stakes clash against West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.