Chennai, February 26 Opener Abhishek Sharma found his form with a fine half-century as India put up a dominant batting display to post the highest total of this T20 World Cup, a formidable 256/4, against Zimbabwe in their must-win Super 8 clash here on Thursday.
Abhishek, who had endured three successive ducks at the start of the competition, struck a brisk 55 off 30 balls, along with Sanju Samson (24), to provide the early momentum as India put on a 48-run opening partnership after Zimbabwe chose to bowl.
Ishan Kishan (38) and Suryakumar Yadav (33) also contributed quickly before Hardik Pandya smashed an unbeaten 50 off 23 balls to consolidate the total.
Tilak Varma made 44 not out off 14 balls as the pair added 84 runs off 31 balls in their unbroken stand.
For Zimbabwe, Richard Ngarava (1/62), Blessing Muzarabani (1/43), Tinotenda Maposa (1/40) and Sikandar Raza (1/29) took wickets but struggled to contain India’s aggressive approach.
Brief Scores:
India 256/4 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 55, Tilak Varma 44, Hardik Pandya 50; Sikandar Raza 1/29).
