Chennai, February 26 Star opener Abhishek Sharma scored a crucial fifty, his first in this T20 World Cup, as the top order performed in unison, propelling India to 176/3 after 15 overs in their must-win Super Eights clash against Zimbabwe here on Thursday.
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who had been dropped on eight, looked dangerous at 33 (13 balls; 2x6, 3x4) before getting out in the 15th over, with Richard Ngarava taking the key wicket.
At the 15-over mark, Hardik Pandya was on 12 (8 balls; 1x6), while Tilak Varma smashed his first ball for four as India aimed for a total of over 220.
Abhishek scored 55 (30 balls; 4x4, 4x6), while Sanju Samson, who had only played one game earlier in the tournament against Namibia, made an immediate impact after Zimbabwe chose to bowl.
Samson struck 24 off 15 balls (2x6, 1x4) as India had their best opening partnership of 48 (23 balls) in this World Cup.
After Samson's dismissal, India maintained their momentum as Ishan Kishan, promoted to No. 3, scored a quick 38 (24 balls; 4x4, 1x6) in a 72-run partnership (42 balls) with Abhishek, maintaining a run rate of over 10.
Zimbabwe were sloppy in the field and dropped their second catch, giving Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav a reprieve on eight.
Ishan had also been dropped on 26.
