India posted a formidable 256 for four against Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup Super 8s at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium, securing a 72-run victory. Opener Sanju Samson provided an explosive start with 24 off 15 balls, while Zimbabwe's Brian Bennett fought valiantly with an unbeaten 97. The win advances India's campaign in their maiden Super 8s appearance for the opponents.
Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bowl first in Match 48 of the T20 World Cup Super 8s on February 26 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Sanju Samson, returning to India's playing XI, opened with intent, hitting a six off the second ball he faced and racing to 24 from 15 balls, including two sixes and a boundary. His aggressive powerplay performance helped India build momentum, contributing to a total of 256 for four. Abhishek Sharma, Yashasvi Varma, and Hardik Pandya also scored freely on a batting-friendly pitch.
Former India opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth praised Samson's assault, stating on 'Cheeky Cheeka', "Sanju Samson made orange juice of their bowling in two overs." He rued Samson's dismissal, holing out to deep midwicket off a slower short ball, adding, "Sanju should have scored a hundred on this wicket. I was sure he would make a fifty." Srikkanth noted the start eased pressure on Sharma. Ravichandran Ashwin urged Samson to capitalize, saying, "There will not be a better opportunity."
India's bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya, restricted Zimbabwe to 184 for six. However, all-rounder Shivam Dube struggled, conceding 46 runs in two overs without a wicket. Srikkanth criticized, "He was bowling on the sixth stump. I have not seen bowling like that."
Zimbabwe opener Brian Bennett anchored the chase with an unbeaten 97 off 59 balls, featuring eight fours and six sixes, including one off Bumrah to reach his fifty. Despite his effort, partnerships faltered, and Bennett reflected, "Cricket is just like that sometimes... Just grateful for today, to get out there and put on a good innings, but couldn't get over the line." He emphasized playing to strengths in the steep chase of over 250. This marked Zimbabwe's first Super 8s qualification, with lessons to apply against South Africa next. Bennett's tournament haul stands at 277 runs in five innings, including three fifties.
