Chennai’s Chepauk erupted as Abhishek Sharma engineered India’s 256/4 against Zimbabwe in T20 World Cup 2026 Super-8s, smashing 55 off 30 after four prior failures. Thursday’s masterclass secured a 72-run win, with Sunil Gavaskar spotlighting the opener’s evolution.
On Star Sports, Gavaskar praised: ‘Abhishek changed technique—held back till ball release, bat speed controlled, balance fueling powerful shots.’ A lifeline after stomach woes led to three ducks, silencing naysayers.
Intent clear from strike one: single, no rush. Dressing room mantra—occupy crease, rotate. Sanju Samson’s 24 off 15 built 48-run opener stand, easing nerves. Sharma then dominated Maposa, Bennett, Ngarava with sixes and fours. India hit 80/1 at powerplay end; fifty off 26.
Sharma’s 55 exit paved way for fireworks: Hardik Pandya 50* (23 balls), Tilak Varma 44 (16). Fifth-wicket 84 runs, 80 in final overs. Zimbabwe’s 184 all out—Bennett 97, but Arshdeep’s three wickets triumphed.
Net run rate boosted, India’s semifinal dreams pivot to decisive West Indies face-off in Kolkata.