India aims for fearless cricket ahead of West Indies showdown

T20 World Cup  – (Web Desk) – India bounced back in their T20 World Cup campaign with a bold, “fearless” brand of cricket, setting up a winner-takes-all clash against the West Indies for the final semi-final spot.

After a heavy loss to South Africa in their Super Eights opener, India made a strong statement by defeating Zimbabwe by 72 runs in Chennai on Thursday. Opener Abhishek Sharma led the charge with a blistering 55, while Hardik Pandya remained unbeaten on 50, helping India post a massive 256-4—the second-highest total in the tournament’s history.

The Indian batsmen showcased their power hitting with 17 sixes and 17 fours at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, leaving Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggling.

India now face the West Indies in Kolkata on Sunday, who themselves were beaten by South Africa by nine wickets, to decide the second semi-finalist from Group 1.

“We want to continue playing fearless cricket, the style we showed today and have maintained since last year,” said Tilak Varma. “We aim to carry the same intent and intensity into the next match and beyond.”

Varma, a left-handed batter, contributed 44 runs off just 19 balls, putting together an unbeaten 84-run partnership with Pandya, who finished his innings with two big sixes to reach his fifty.

It all came together for India after they rejigged their opening combination with the return of Sanju Samson, who handed the team a quick start with his 24 off 15 balls.

The left-handed Abhishek hit form with his first T20 World Cup fifty after he struggled in the tournament with three ducks in four innings.

“It’s important when the openers give us a good start, the same confidence follows to number three, four and five,” said Varma.

“And we discussed that whatever the situation is, (even) if we lose three-four wickets in powerplay, we will bat with the same rhythm,” he added.

“And we want to show the fear in opposition bowlers, that these guys are ready to hit each and every ball.”
India, the world’s top-ranked T20 team, came into the World Cup on the back of huge totals in bilateral contests, and were tipped to cross the 300-run mark at the tournament.

But their batting had looked fragile and was often exposed, including by minnows the United States, who reduced them to 77-6 in their opener.

Varma remains cautious of his team’s plans against the West Indies, who posted 254-6 against Zimbabwe in their Super Eights opener.

“So if the wicket is not good, then we’ll adjust, and we’ll keep that intensity on,” said Varma.

“I would not say we want to score more than 250 — but if we get a good start, then of course we’ll go for it.”

The Indian bowling has looked good.

On Thursday, left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh returned figures of 3-24 to limit Zimbabwe to 184-6.

He surpassed senior paceman Jasprit Bumrah as the leading bowler for India at the T20 World Cup with 35 wickets to Bumrah’s 33.

“We have been doing well for the past couple of years, so even after a blip or a defeat, the belief of the group was there,” Arshdeep told reporters.

India defeats Zimbabwe to remain in semi-final contention

“We knew we just have to come and follow our processes, and the result will come our way. So the thought was very simple and we are enjoying it.”

The 2024 champions have the weight of history against them. No team has ever retained the T20 World Cup and no side have ever won the trophy on home soil.