Chennai: India strengthened their semifinal prospects in the T20 World Cup with a commanding 72-run win over Zimbabwe in the Super 8 stage at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Thursday.
Posting a massive 256 for 4 after being put in to bat, India restricted Zimbabwe to 184 for 6 in 20 overs to seal a crucial victory. However, India will need to win their final Super 8 match as well to confirm a place in the last four.
India post 256/4 after being sent in
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza won the toss and opted to bowl first. India captain Suryakumar Yadav said he would have preferred to bat anyway, and the decision paid off as the hosts piled up 256 runs for the loss of four wickets.
India made two changes to the playing XI, bringing back Axar Patel and Sanju Samson, while Rinku Singh and Washington Sundar were left out.
Zimbabwe fall short despite fight
Chasing a steep target of 257, Zimbabwe managed 184 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs, falling well short of the required run rate.
With this win, India remain firmly in contention for a semifinal berth, though their qualification will hinge on the outcome of their final Super 8 fixture.
