Thunderous applause echoed through Chennai as Team India scripted a slice of T20 World Cup history. In their Super-8 encounter with Zimbabwe at Chepauk, India notched up a staggering 80/1 in the powerplay – eclipsing all previous totals against the African side in the tournament.
Batting first after losing the toss, the Indian top order fired on all cylinders. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma’s 48-run opening stand in 3.4 overs was the perfect launchpad. Samson thrilled with 24 runs featuring two massive sixes before perishing, paving the way for Ishan Kishan.
What followed was a power-packed 72-run alliance between Kishan (38) and Sharma (55* off 30). This performance vaults India into rarefied air: their third-highest powerplay score, behind 86/1 vs Namibia and 82/2 vs Scotland.
Tactical shifts underscored India’s depth – Axar Patel replacing Washington Sundar, and Sanju Samson reclaiming his spot from Rinku Singh. Suryakumar Yadav captained a star-studded side: Samson (keeper), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar, Arshdeep, Varun Chakaravarthy, Bumrah.
Sikandar Raza’s Zimbabwe introduced Tinotenda Maposa for Kramer, fielding Marumani (wk), Bennett, Myers, Burl, Munyonga, Muskiewa, Evans, Maposa, Muzarabani, Ngarava.
As Zimbabwe stares down a colossal target, India’s powerplay mastery highlights their evolution in limited-overs cricket. Victory here could propel them towards the semis, keeping the nation’s hopes alive.