Chennai, Feb 26 (PTI) Star opener Abhishek Sharma struck a much-needed fifty, his first in this T20 World Cup, as the top-order fired in unison to propel India to 176/3 after 15 overs in their must-win Super Eights clash against Zimbabwe here on Thursday.
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who got a reprieve on eight, was looking dangerous on 33 (13b; 2×6, 3×4) before getting out in the 15th over with Richard Ngarava giving the breakthrough.
At the 15-over mark, Hardik Pandya was on 12 (8b; 1×6), while Tilak Varma smashed his first ball for four as India were eying a 220-plus total.
Abhishek made 55 (30b; 4×4, 4×6), while Sanju Samson, who had featured in only one game earlier in the tournament against Namibia, made an immediate impact after Zimbabwe opted to bowl.
Samson struck a brisk 24 off 15 balls (2×6, 1×4) as India had their best opening partnership of 48 (23b) in this World Cup.
After Samson’s dismissal, India did not lose momentum as Ishan Kishan, promoted to No. 3, made a quick 38 (24b; 4×4, 1×6) in a 72-run partnership (42b) with Abishek, maintaining a 10-plus run-rate.
Zimbabwe were sloppy on the field and dropped their second catch giving Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav a reprieve on eight.
Ishan was earlier dropped on 26. PTI TAP ATK
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