The hosts posted a mammoth 256 for four — their highest-ever T20 World Cup total and the highest in this edition — after recovering from a heavy 76-run defeat to South Africa. India’s victory also confirmed South Africa’s progression to the semifinals from Group 1, leaving India and West Indies locked in a virtual quarterfinal showdown in Kolkata on March 1.
Abhishek (55 off 30 balls, 4×4, 4×6), Pandya (50 not out, 23b, 2×4, 4×6) and Tilak (44 not out, 16b, 3×4, 4×6) were the architects of India’s recovery. In reply, Zimbabwe could only muster 184 for six. Opener Brian Bennett (97* off 59 balls) fought valiantly, including a 26-run over off Shivam Dube, but his knock was destined to be a footnote.
Since returning from a stomach bug, Abhishek had looked a shadow of his dominant self, enduring three consecutive ducks. But on a smooth Chepauk surface, the Punjab left-hander found his rhythm, easing management’s worries over his slump.
He forged two vital partnerships — 48 for the opening wicket with Sanju Samson and 72 off 42 balls with Ishan Kishan (38) — laying a solid platform. Samson’s inclusion broke the sequence of left-handers at the top and allowed him to ease into the innings, scoring 24 off 15 balls.
Once Samson fell, lofting Blessing Muzarabani to Ryan Burl, Abhishek took charge. He smashed Tino Maposo, Brian Bennett, and Richard Ngarava for sixes as India raced to 80 for one in the Powerplay, their second-best in the tournament. The 25-year-old reached his fifty in just 26 balls off spinner Sikandar Raza and, crucially, looked assured against off-spin, his earlier nemesis.
Abhishek continued his assault between overs seven and 14, scoring 81 runs even as Zimbabwe dropped catches, including those of Kishan (26) and Suryakumar Yadav (8). His innings eventually ended when he skied Maposo to Raza in the deep, offering Zimbabwe some relief — fleeting though it was.
India’s middle-order, previously struggling to accelerate on slower pitches, rediscovered its power at Chepauk. The team reached 100 in 9.1 overs, but the next 100 came in just 7.3 overs.
Pandya (50*, 23b) and Tilak Varma (44*, 16b) added 84 for the fifth wicket, maximizing the final five overs where India scored 80. Pandya reaffirmed his status as a death-over bully, while Tilak’s blistering strike rate of 275 on a Chennai track silenced any concerns over his earlier form.
Once India posted 256, it was always going to be a contest of margins. The bowlers, led by left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh (3/24), executed to perfection, ensuring a commanding win and safeguarding India’s title defense.