T20 World Cup, IND vs ZIM Highlights: India win by 71 runs in Melbourne

Right then, we are done with the Super 12 stage and are ready with the line-up for the semifinals. Have to say, this has been quite an enticing World Cup so far with cut-throat competition between all teams. Now we can expect the action to get more intense and thrilling as we move into the knockout stage. The first semi-final will be in Sydney where New Zealand will go up against Pakistan on Wednesday, 9th of November. It will start at 1.30 pm IST (8 am GMT). The second semi-final would be played at the Adelaide Oval where India will lock horns against England on Thursday, the 10th of November at 1.30 pm IST (8 am GMT). So, two blockbuster games await us. Do join us for the build-up of those games nice and early. Till then, it’s goodbye and cheers!

Rohit Sharma, the skipper of India says that it was a good overall performance and something they were looking for. Mentions that they have qualified but they wanted to play the way that they did and they got a lot from the game. Credits Suryakumar Yadav for what he is doing as it is remarkable and he is taking the pressure away from the other batters which is quite important. Adds that he allows others to take time and the confidence he shows brings ease to the dug out. Goes on to say that they expect this from him and he has grown from strength to strength. Claims that the key for them is to adjust to the conditions and says that they played recently at the venue so they know what to do. Admits that England is a strong team and it’s a semi final where two teams will be going at each other so they should not forget what got them there. Adds that it is a high pressure game but they take a lot of pride in qualifying and understands that if they play well, they have one more good game after that. Ends by saying that the crowd has been brilliant and have come to watch wherever they have gone, so he expects nothing less in the semi-final.

Craig Ervine, the skipper of Zimbabwe says they could have changed a couple of plans. Mentions that the initial plan was to bowl wide yorkers but they could have taken some pace off the ball. Credits Suryakumar Yadav for taking the game away from them. Claims that leading up to the tournament they had a  positive approach with the bat but in the last two games they have gone into a shell and lost that positively. Adds that they need to counter that by moving around a bit and being proactive. Admits that the last few results didn’t go as planned but they did really good work to get into Super 12. Ends by saying that in the last few games their ground fielding has been poor but they fought hard during this World Cup.

Suryakumar Yadav  is the Player of the Match and he says that the plan with Hardik was clear and they wanted to take a positive approach. Adds that when they started connecting their shots and getting boundaries,they decided to continue. Mentions that the atmosphere in the team is really nice and the build-up to the tournament was good. Claims that his plan has always been clear and he attempts to see what the team needs in any particular situation. Admits that it feels really good to be in good form but it is important to start from zero. Ends by saying that they have qualified for the knockouts and he wants to see how it goes but he is thankful for the support.

Time for the Presentation.

India, on the other hand, would be pretty happy with the clinical nature of this win. Suryakumar Yadav was absolutely fantastic at the death which took India to an above-par score and after that, the way Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Arshdeep Singh swung the ball was quite commendable. India managed to take three wickets in the Powerplay and all Indian seamers made sure that Zimbabwe were never given an inch before the spinners came into the attack. Indian spinners, Ashwin and Axar Patel struggled initially but then came back strongly to pick four wickets between them. Overall, a convincing performance by India and it would be interesting to see how they go about their business in the semi-final now.

In the first half of the game, India posted a huge total courtesy of some quality batting by KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav. The target of 187 was always going to be tough for Zimbabwe and the 79 runs they gave away at the death with the ball, took the momentum away from them. Sean Willians took two wickets with the ball but with the bat, he could not score much. The top 3 batters before him also failed to make a mark and it was only the partnership of 60 runs between Raza and Burl that gave the Zimbabwean fans something to cheer about. However, they were never in this chase and once that partnership was broken, Zimbabwe ended up folding quite quickly on 115. Zimbabwe have played some good cricket in this tournament though and they would be looking to build up from here and come up with bettter performance in future.

India have registered a dominating win here at the ‘G’ and have finished at the top of the table in Group 2. They will now go to Adelaide to face off against England in the semi-final and this is exactly the kind of morale-boosting win a team needs before going into a knockout game. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, have played some brilliant cricket in patches but they need to be better with their execution with the bat to challenge big teams consistently.

17.2: Axar Patel to Tendai Chatara, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Axar Patel finally gets his wickets column ticking! The Zimbabwe batting has crumbled once again and India have celebrated their semi-final qualification with a thumping win. Axar Patel flights this ball full and outside the off pole, Tendai Chatara looks to stroke this through the off side. There is some extra bounce off the wicket and this results in an inside edge that floats high to the bowler's right. Axar Patel covers the ground and takes the catch with both hands to send Zimbabwe packing.  India win by 71 runs!

17.1: Axar Patel to Tendai Chatara, FOUR! Axar Patel continues to be expensive! Bowls a flighted delivery full and outside off, Tendai Chatara thumps this towards long on and collects four runs. 

16.6: Hardik Pandya to Blessing Muzarabani, Delivers this in line with the stumps on a good length, Blessing Muzarabani blocks this towards mid-wicket. 

16.5: Hardik Pandya to Blessing Muzarabani, Bowls this one full and outside the off pole, Blessing Muzarabani hangs his bat out to dry and is beaten all ends up. 

16.4: Hardik Pandya to Sikandar Raza, OUT! CAUGHT! Sikandar Raza has to depart and with that Zimbabwe have lost their last ray of hope! Hardik Pandya bowls a slower bouncer wide outside off, Sikandar Raza pulls this toward deep square leg but mistimes the shot as he is beaten by the lack of pace. Suryakumar Yadav makes no mistake in the deep and takes an easy catch to take India one wicket away from sealing a comprehensive win. 

Blessing Muzarabani is the last man in.

16.4: Hardik Pandya to Sikandar Raza, WIDE! This is bowled on a good length and he follows the batter going to the leg side. The ball is way down leg side and the umpire calls this wide. 

16.3: Hardik Pandya to Tendai Chatara, Hardik Pandya has got his line wrong here as he strays in the pads once again on a fuller length. Tendai Chatara misses his flick and the ball goes off his pads to fine leg for a leg bye.

16.2: Hardik Pandya to Sikandar Raza, This is a touch fuller but still going down leg, Sikandar Raza gets low and clips this towards deep mid-wicket for a single. 

16.1: Hardik Pandya to Sikandar Raza, Hardik Pandya bowls a back-of-a-length delivery angling down leg, Sikandar Raza pulls this towards fine leg and they take a couple of runs. 

15.6: Ravichandran Ashwin to Tendai Chatara, Another flighted delivery bowled full and spinning down leg. Tendai Chatara looks to stroke this through the line but is beaten on the inside edge as the ball just misses the leg pole. 

Tendai Chatara is the next man in.

15.5: Ravichandran Ashwin to Richard Ngarava, OUT! TIMBER! Another one bites the dust and Ravichandran Ashwin has two wickets in his last over! Bowls this on a fullish length and in line with the stumps. Richard Ngarava goes deep in the crease and looks to pull a ball that keeps a fraction low. The stumps have been shattered and Zimbabwe lose their eighth wicket now. India will be eager to wrap this match up in a jiffy. 

15.4: Ravichandran Ashwin to Sikandar Raza, This is slightly short and outside off, Sikandar Raza gets on his back foot and punches the ball down to long off for a single. 

15.3: Ravichandran Ashwin to Sikandar Raza, Floats one in full and angling down leg, Sikandar Raza gets his front foot out of the way and looks to heave across the line but misses. 

15.2: Ravichandran Ashwin to Richard Ngarava, Loopy delivery bowled full and just outside off, Richard Ngarava gets an inside edge to deep square leg and gets off the mark with a single. 

Richard Ngarava walks out to the middle now.

15.1: Ravichandran Ashwin to Wellington Masakadza, OUT! CAUGHT! Rohit Sharma persists with spin and Ravichandran Ashwin gets his second wicket! Flights the ball full and into the pads, Wellington Masakadza looks to work this leg side but gets a leading edge to Rohit Sharma at short cover. Zimbabwe have now lost their seventh wicket and are staring down a barrel of defeat.

14.6: Axar Patel to Wellington Masakadza, Flatter one on off. Wellington Masakadza drives it to long off for a single.

14.5: Axar Patel to Wellington Masakadza, On middle and fuller. Wellington Masakadza clips it to midp-wicket.

14.4: Axar Patel to Sikandar Raza, A fuller delivery on off. Raza drives it to sweeper cover for a single.

14.3: Axar Patel to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! Raza is still going strong! Patel fires it on off. Raza shuffles across to his right and slog-sweeps it over Suryakumar Yadav at deep square leg. One bounce into the fence.

14.2: Axar Patel to Sikandar Raza, NOT OUT! This one is fired around leg. Raza makes room and tries to heave it towards the leg side. He misses and Pant whips the bails off. There is an appeal for the stumping and the leg umpire takes it upstairs. The replays roll in and the UltraEdge shows not bat there and also Raza's back leg is found inside the crease. So no damage done.

14.1: Axar Patel to Sikandar Raza, A flatter delivery on middle. Raza works it through mid-wicket for a couple.

13.6: Ravichandran Ashwin to Wellington Masakadza, Tossed up on middle. Wellington Masakadza works it left of the bowler.

13.5: Ravichandran Ashwin to Wellington Masakadza, Bit quicker and around leg. Wellington Masakadza tries to clip it but misses and gets hit on the pads.

13.4: Ravichandran Ashwin to Wellington Masakadza, Slower through the air, on off. Wellington Masakadza fends it off the front foot.

13.3: Ravichandran Ashwin to Wellington Masakadza, A flatter delivery on leg. Wellington Masakadza works it towards the leg side.

Wellington Masakadza is the new batter out in the middle.

13.2: Ravichandran Ashwin to Ryan Burl, OUT! BOWLED! Ravichandran Ashwin breaks the partnership! Ryan Burl departs after a very attractive knock and Zimbabwe now lose their sixth with 91 more needed from 40 balls. Ashwin gives this one a bit of air, this time, On middle. Burl tries to flick it but misses and the ball brushes his pads on it way to the stumps. Ashwin is elated!

13.1: Ravichandran Ashwin to Sikandar Raza, Raza shimmies down the track and Ashwin pulls his length back a bit, on off. Raza drives it uppishly left of Ashwin. The ball goes off the fingertips to long off for a single.

13.1: Ravichandran Ashwin to Sikandar Raza, WIDE! Fires it on leg. Raza tries to sweep it but misses.

12.6: Axar Patel to Ryan Burl, FOUR! Now brings out a reverse sweep! Patel fires it on middle. Burl revserse-sweeps and gets it over short third man for a boundary.

12.5: Axar Patel to Ryan Burl, FOUR! In the gap and finds a boundary! Bowls a full delivery on middle. Burl sweeps and sweeps it quite well wide of short fine leg for a boundary.

12.4: Axar Patel to Sikandar Raza, Touch shorter and flatter on middle. Raza works it to deep square leg for a single. 50 partnership is up!

12.3: Axar Patel to Sikandar Raza, Bowls a full toss, on off. Raza drives it square off the wicket to deep point for a couple.

12.2: Axar Patel to Ryan Burl, On the shorter side, on off. Burl slaps it to long on for a single.

12.1: Axar Patel to Sikandar Raza, A fuller delivery on off. Raza drills it to long off for a single.

11.6: Ravichandran Ashwin to Ryan Burl, Tad on the shorter side, on off. Burl tries to sweep it but misses and gets hit on the pads again.

11.5: Ravichandran Ashwin to Ryan Burl, On the pads and fuller. Burl tries to work it towards the leg side but misses and gets hit on the pads.

11.4: Ravichandran Ashwin to Ryan Burl, A flatter delivery on leg. Burl tries to reverse-sweep it but does not time it this time.

11.3: Ravichandran Ashwin to Ryan Burl, FOUR! Good shot! Short and outside off. Burl slaps it through the extra-cover region for a boundary.

11.2: Ravichandran Ashwin to Ryan Burl, Bowls it on middle. Burl sweeps it to deep square leg for a couple.

11.1: Ravichandran Ashwin to Ryan Burl, A full delivery on middle. Burl drives it back to the bowler.

10.6: Axar Patel to Ryan Burl, Fires it on leg. Burl tries to clip it but misses. The ball goes off his pads towards square leg. A leg bye is taken.

10.5: Axar Patel to Ryan Burl, SIX! Fantastic shot! On middle and fuller. Burl reverse sweeps it and does it so well that it goes all the way over the point fence.

10.4: Axar Patel to Sikandar Raza, A fuller delivery on middle. Raza drives it to long off for a single.

10.3: Axar Patel to Sikandar Raza, Angles it into leg. Raza works it to short fine leg. The batters try to steal a single as the throw comes in from short fine leg. Pant lets the ball go in hope of a direct hit and the batters take an extra run as the ball goes towards long off.

10.2: Axar Patel to Sikandar Raza, On middle and leg. Raza works it to deep mid-wicket for a couple.

10.1: Axar Patel to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! Just wide of Bhuvneshwar Kumar at short third man! On the shorter side and around off. Raza gets an outside edge as he looks to cut it. The ball goes aerially and wide of diving Kumar at short third man for a boundary.

Drinks! India are bossing this game at the moment. Zimbabwe have lost wickets at regular intervals and they would now need something special from this pair of Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl to pull off a victory here. Indian seamers were right on the mark from the first over with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Arshdeep Singh swinging the ball both ways and picking early wickets. Mohammad Shami and Hardik Pandya have also backed them up perfectly and India look all set for a big win here.

9.6: Ravichandran Ashwin to Sikandar Raza, This is on the pads on a shorter length, Sikandar Raza clips this towards deep square leg and takes a single to keep strike after the break. 

9.5: Ravichandran Ashwin to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! Sikandar Raza decides to join the party! Ravichandran Ashwin floats this one wide outside the off pole on a fuller length. Sikandar Raza has the width to free his arms and launched the ball into the wide long off boundary for four more runs. 

9.4: Ravichandran Ashwin to Ryan Burl, Pulls his length back a fraction and angles this into the pads, Ryan Burl tucks this towards square leg and takes a quick single. 

9.3: Ravichandran Ashwin to Ryan Burl, FOUR! That is a fine shot from Ryan Burl! Ravichandran Ashwin flights this one full and in line with the stumps, Ryan Burl goes for the reverse sweep and crunches this to the deep point fence for four runs. 

9.2: Ravichandran Ashwin to Sikandar Raza, Bowls this on a yorker length and outside the leg stump, Sikandar Raza makes room and digs this out to long on for one. 

9.1: Ravichandran Ashwin to Ryan Burl, Ravichandran Ashwin starts off with a shortish delivery on the pads, Ryan Burl clips this towards square leg and takes a single. 

8.6: Hardik Pandya to Ryan Burl, This is in line with the stumps on a fuller length, Ryan Burl bumps the ball into the pitch and gets it over the bowler's head for a single to long straightish long on. 

8.5: Hardik Pandya to Ryan Burl, FOUR! Ryan Burl plays a cracking shot here! Hardik Pandya continues to bowl full and outside off, Ryan Burl lifts this over the fielders and finds the deep cover boundary for four runs. 

8.4: Hardik Pandya to Ryan Burl, Goes fuller outside the off stump, Ryan Burl strokes this straight to the cover fielder. 

8.3: Hardik Pandya to Ryan Burl, On a good length and shaping away from the left-hander. Ryan Burl is squared up as the ball passes the bat. The bowler enquires and so does the wicket-keeper. Rohit Sharma decides to review this but UltraEdge confirms there is no bat involved. India lose their review. 

8.3: Hardik Pandya to Ryan Burl, WIDE! Bangs this is short but down leg side. Ryan Burl decides against attempting a pull shot and the umpire calls this wide. 

8.2: Hardik Pandya to Ryan Burl, This is bowled wide outside off on a fuller length, Ryan Burl goes for a wild swing but misses. 

8.1: Hardik Pandya to Ryan Burl, Hardik Pandya bowls this on a good length and outside off, Ryan Burl charges down the wicket and hits this uppishly over mid off. They take a brace as the fielder runs back to collect this. 

7.6: Mohammad Shami to Sikandar Raza, Goes full this time and on the pads, Sikandar Raza clips this to deep backward square leg and they collect two runs. 

7.5: Mohammad Shami to Sikandar Raza, Bowls this back of a length and outside off, Sikandar Raza stands tall and punches this straight to cover. 

7.4: Mohammad Shami to Ryan Burl, This is on a good length and outside off, Ryan Burl strokes this towards deep cover and gets off the mark with a single. 

Ryan Burl walks out to the middle now.

7.3: Mohammad Shami to Tony Munyonga, OUT! PLUMB! Mohammad Shami gets another one and this time Tony Munyonga has to make the long walk back to the shed! This has been delivered really full and heading for the stumps, Tony Munyonga looks to work this leg side but misses. The ball crashes into the pads and Mohammad Shami is convinced this is out. The umpire raises his finger and Tony Munyonga decides to review this. UltraEdge shows no bat involved and Ball Tracking indicates three reds. Zimbabwe have lost half of their side now. 

7.2: Mohammad Shami to Tony Munyonga, This is on a good length and in line with the stumps, Tony Munyonga clips this towards mid-wicket. 

7.1: Mohammad Shami to Tony Munyonga, FOUR! Top-edged for a boundary! Mohammad Shami bangs this in short and angling down leg side. Tony Munyonga goes for the pull shot but gets a faint edge that gets the ball over the keeper for a boundary to fine leg. 

6.6: Hardik Pandya to Sikandar Raza, Bowls this one outside the off stump on a good length, Sikandar Raza looks to drive but gets beaten. 

6.5: Hardik Pandya to Tony Munyonga, This is full and on the pads, Tony Munyonga knocks this to mid on and takes a quick single to get off the mark. 

Tony Munyonga is the next man in.

6.4: Hardik Pandya to Craig Ervine, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! India are dominating proceedings here and Hardik Pandya has a wicket in his very first over! Hardik Pandya bowls this on a good length and in line with the stumps, Craig Ervine looks to clip this leg side but gets a leading edge that lobs over the bowler. Hardik Pandya backtracks and takes the catch with one hand over his head. Zimbabwe have lost their fourth wicket. 

6.3: Hardik Pandya to Craig Ervine, Bangs this in short and outside off, Craig Ervine mistimes his pull shot back towards the bowler. 

6.3: Hardik Pandya to Craig Ervine, NO BALL! Bowls this on a good length as well and just outside the off stump, Craig Ervine feels for this but is beaten. Hardik Pandya has overstepped and the umpire indicates it is a no ball. 

6.2: Hardik Pandya to Sikandar Raza, This is on a good length and angled into the pads, Sikandar Raza taps this towards the leg side and takes a quick single to get off the mark. 

6.1: Hardik Pandya to Craig Ervine, Hardik Pandya goes full and in line with the stumps, Craig Ervine looks to flick this leg side but gets a leading edge towards third man for a single. 

Sikandar Raza walks out at number 5!

5.6: Mohammad Shami to Sean Williams, OUT! CAUGHT! India strike once again and Sean Williams is the next casualty! Mohammad Shami goes full and wide outside the off pole, Sean Williams looks to drive this uppishly over the offside but slices the ball towards deep backward point. Bhuvneshwar Kumar settles under it and takes a comfortable catch. India are right on top here. 

5.5: Mohammad Shami to Sean Williams, This is on a good length and just outside the off stump, Sean Williams looks to make room and cut this but gets beaten. 

There seems to be some problem with the ball. We will have a change of ball here as the umpires don't find the current ball in good shape.

5.4: Mohammad Shami to Sean Williams, SIX! Sean Williams gets this over the fence! Mohammad Shami bangs this one in short and into the batter, Sean Williams swivels and pulls the ball over the fine leg boundary for a maximum.

5.3: Mohammad Shami to Sean Williams, This is angled into the stumps on a fuller length, Sean Williams taps this to the left of the bowler. 

5.2: Mohammad Shami to Sean Williams, Bowls this a touch fuller but still outside off, Sean Williams strokes this straight to short cover.

5.1: Mohammad Shami to Craig Ervine, Mohammad Shami starts off with a good-length delivery from 'round the wicket and outside off, Craig Ervine guides this down to deep backward point for a single. Good-old classical swing bowling this!

4.6: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Sean Williams, Beats him! Just short of good length and outside off. Sean Williams tries to push it away from his body but ends up only connecting with thin air.

4.5: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Craig Ervine, Drifts on the pads again. Ervine works it to deep square leg and gets three runs.

4.4: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Craig Ervine, FOUR! Lovely shot! Like his previous boundary, this one too is played quite late and cleverly with the swing. Kumar swings it into Ervine this time. Ervine flicks it off his pads through mid-wicket for a boundary.

4.3: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Craig Ervine, On a length with that outswing again, outside off. Ervine tries to push it but misses.

4.2: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Craig Ervine, This man is such a treat to watch when he finds swing like this! Land another delivery on a good length and around off. Ervine tries to defend it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

4.1: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Sean Williams, On a length and angled across the batter. Sean Williams manages to steer it off the outside half of his blade towards third man for a single.

3.6: Arshdeep Singh to Craig Ervine, Lands on a good length and outside off. Ervine watches it carefully and leaves it.

3.5: Arshdeep Singh to Craig Ervine, Now an outswinger! On a length and around off. Ervine goes for a drive away from his body but misses.

3.4: Arshdeep Singh to Craig Ervine, FOUR! Nicely played! Singh swings it into Ervine as he bowls it on a fullish length again. Ervine though plays it with the swing and clips it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

3.3: Arshdeep Singh to Sean Williams, A full ball, on middle. Sean Williams drives it to mid on for a single.

3.2: Arshdeep Singh to Sean Williams, Beaten! Serves it on a length that is just short of a driveable length, around off. Williams tries to drive it but gets beaten on the outside edge as the ball swings away late.

3.1: Arshdeep Singh to Sean Williams, Angles this one into middle. Fullish delivery but not enough full and Sean Williams drives it bit uppishly towards mid on.

3.1: Arshdeep Singh to Sean Williams, WIDE! Bowls a good-length delivery and it is way outside off. Sean Williams leaves it.

2.6: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Sean Williams, On a length and shaping into Sean Williams on middle and leg. Sean Williams tries to work it towards the leg side but gets hit high on his pads. The ball rolls towards third man and a leg bye is taken.

2.6: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Sean Williams, WIDE! Serves a fullish delivery that swings nicely again, However, it drifts down the leg side atr 129 kph and is called as wide as Sean Williams misses his flick shot.

2.5: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Sean Williams, On a length, on off. Sean Williams blocks it out.

2.4: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Sean Williams, Back of a length, on off. Sean Williams punches it through cover-point for a couple.

2.3: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Sean Williams, Oh...lovely! Serves a good-length delivery, around off from 'round the wicket. The ball seams away off the pitch away from the batter and beats Sean Williams as he tries to defend it.

2.2: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Sean Williams, Back of a length and around off. Sean Williams defends it towards the off side. Maybe Bhuvneshwar Kumar need to be a bit fuller here.

2.1: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Sean Williams, Another lovely good-length delivery. It is outside off and swings further away as Sean Williams leaves it.

1.6: Arshdeep Singh to Sean Williams, On a fullish length, on off. Sean Williams drives it to mid off for a single.

1.5: Arshdeep Singh to Sean Williams, Swings into Sean Williams now! A fullish delivery on middle. Sean Williams drives it to mid on.

Sean Williams is the new batter out in the middle to face the music. 

1.4: Arshdeep Singh to Regis Chakabva, OUT! KNOCKED HIM OVER! Arshdeep Singh gets his first wicket. Fullish delivery on middle. He gets a good inswing there and Regis Chakabva tries to heave it towards the leg side but misses. The ball rubs his pads and goes on to knock the stumps. This is high-class swing bowling from the Indian opening bowlers.

1.4: Arshdeep Singh to Craig Ervine, TWO WIDES! This one is way outside off. Swings away from the batter and Pant half-stops it with his dive. A bye taken.

1.3: Arshdeep Singh to Craig Ervine, On a length and angling into middle. Ervine tries to clip it towards the leg side but misses and gets hit high on the pads.

1.2: Arshdeep Singh to Craig Ervine, Massive movement for the Indian bowlers! This is served wide outside off on a good length, Craig Ervine feels for the ball but is beaten as the ball goes past the outside edge. 

1.1: Arshdeep Singh to Craig Ervine, Arshdeep Singh begins with a good-length delivery just outside the off pole, Craig Ervine blocks this towards point. 

Arshdeep Singh will share the attack from the other end. 

0.6: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Regis Chakabva, On a length and around off. Regis Chakabva defends it from his crease this time. Brilliant start, maiden from Bhuvneshwar Kumar!

0.5: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Regis Chakabva, On a length and on off. Regis Chakabva moves across to his right and tries to work it towards the leg side but fails to get a bat on it and it hit high on his pads.

0.4: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Regis Chakabva, Another inswinger, fullish and on middle. Regis Chakabva tries to work it towards the leg side and gets hit on the pads again.

0.3: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Regis Chakabva, NOT OUT! Bhuvneshwar Kumar after bowling two outswingers, bowls a inswinger on middle and leg. Regis Chakabva looks to flick it but misses. The ball hits his pads and there is an appeal but the umpire denies it. India review but the Ball Tracking shows that the ball is missing the stumps. Regis Chakabva will continue.

0.2: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Regis Chakabva, Serves a nice fullish delivery, outside off. It swings away and Regis Chakabva leaves it.

Regis Chakabva makes his way out to the middle at number 3. 

0.1: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Wesley Madhevere, OUT! CAUGHT! India are off to a dream start here! Virat Kohli pulls of a blinder in the field and Wesley Madhevere has to walk back for a golden duck! Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowls a fullish delivery, outside off. Wesley Madhevere drives it quite firmly but bit uppishly and right of short cover. Kohli though puts in a brilliant dive to his right and takes a good low catch.

We are back for the run chase and we are hoping for an intriguing contest. The umpires are out in the middle and so are the players of India as they take their positions on the field. Wesley Madhevere and Craig Ervine will open the inning for Zimbabwe and they will hope to get off to a good start. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been handed the new ball and will begin proceedings. Let's play...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Right then, India will feel like they have enough firepower in their bowling department to defend this total against a batting lineup that has failed to click in this tournament. That said, Zimbabwe possess some serious batting talent in their ranks with the onus of this run chase falling on the shoulders of Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza. They need their openers to get them off to a good start though and with what we have witnessed in recent times, it would be folly to count the minnows out. Will Zimbabwe be able to pull off an upset? Or will India manage to win and top the group? We shall find out shortly.

KL Rahul is up for a chat and he says that he was confident coming into the tournament and says that he was batting well in the warm-up game as well. Adds that he did not doubt himself after the initial failures as in T20 cricket they have to take chances and the wickets were fresh as well. Mentions that the pitch is quite good and the ball is coming on the bat quite nicely and says that he enjoyed batting in the middle. Says that there is some pace on the wicket and adds that they have got a good total on the board.

India had a slow start to their inning losing their skipper Rohit Sharma early to a short ball from Blessing Muzarabani but Virat Kohli and KL Rahul put on a 60-run partnership to take their team to a good position at the halfway stage. Sean Williams broke the partnership after the refreshment break and the spinners helped Zimbabwe claw back into the game. Just as it seemed like India were losing control of the game having lost Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant in quick succession, Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya decided to counterattack and go after the bowlers. They put on a 65-run partnership in 36 balls to take the initiative back in their team's favor. Surya Kumar reached his half-century and scored an unbeaten 61 in just 25 deliveries to continue his outstanding form. Sean Williams claimed two wickets with Sikandar Raza, Blessing Muzarabani, and Richard Ngarava picking one wicket each.

What an outstanding cricketer Suryakumar Yadav is and he has helped India score 79 runs in the last 5 overs to snatch the momentum right back in their favor!  His performance has pushed the total to 186 and India will be thrilled with the efforts of their hitters. Zimbabwe fought back in the middle overs but may find this a tough target to chase with the poor form of their batters. They would have hoped to restrict their opponents close to the 150-run mark after the flurry of wickets but will know that the game is not out of reach yet.

19.6: Richard Ngarava to Suryakumar Yadav, SIX! Finishes with another unbelievable shot! A full toss, way outside off. Yadav though has no problem with it as he just moves across to his right again. Takes this full toss on his bat and scoops it over the keeper's head for a maximum. India end with 186/5 after 20 overs!

19.5: Richard Ngarava to Suryakumar Yadav, FOUR! He has done it again! This is a fullish delivery on off. Yadav converts it into a full toss with a big stride in and sweeps it to deep backward square leg for a boundary.

19.4: Richard Ngarava to Suryakumar Yadav, FIFTY FOR SURYAKUMAR YADAV! Another fantastic knock from a fantastic batter! A fullish delivery, outside off. Yadav slices it to deep point for a couple.

19.3: Richard Ngarava to Suryakumar Yadav, SIX! Wow! Another trademark Suryakumar Yadav shot! A full toss on off and Suryakumar Yadav moves across in his typical fashion to sweep it over deep backward square leg for a maxiumum.

19.3: Richard Ngarava to Axar Patel, TWO WIDES! A fullish delivery and way down the leg side. The batters steal a bye as well as the keeper stops it.

19.2: Richard Ngarava to Hardik Pandya, OUT! CAUGHT! Hardik Pandya is gone this time! A low full toss, outside off. Pandya reaches for it and tries to slice it away. However, he gets a thick outside edge that goes to Blessing Muzarabani at short third man. Good catch and this has been a good start to the last over for Zimbabwe! Axar Patel is the next batter in.

19.1: Richard Ngarava to Hardik Pandya, Nails a yorker, outside off. Pandya tries to dig it out but misses and ends up hitting the stumps with his bat. No damage done though as it is a Free Hit.

19.1: Richard Ngarava to Hardik Pandya, NO BALL! Oh, that is way off the line. It is also above waist height, outside off. Pandya leaves it. The umpire calls it No Ball. Free Hit coming up.

18.6: Blessing Muzarabani to Suryakumar Yadav, Back of a length, around leg. Yadav goes across to his right and tries to scoop it but misses.

18.5: Blessing Muzarabani to Suryakumar Yadav, On a length, on off. Yadav goes for a lofted drive but fails to get the distance this time. The ball goes aerially but falls away from the fielder at long off. Two taken.

18.4: Blessing Muzarabani to Suryakumar Yadav, FOUR! Suryakumar Yadav continues to entertain this huge crowd here at the 'G'. A full delivery on middle. Yadav shimmies down the track and hits it hard down the ground for a boundary.

18.3: Blessing Muzarabani to Hardik Pandya, Nails a yorker on middle and leg. Pandya digs it out to long on for a single.

18.2: Blessing Muzarabani to Hardik Pandya, Bowls a fullish delivery on middle. Pandya tries to slam it down the ground. However, the ball goes off the inside half of his blade to deep backward square leg for a single.

18.1: Blessing Muzarabani to Hardik Pandya, FOUR! Pandya joins the act now! Short and outside off. Pandya cuts it uppishly and well in front of square for a boundary,

17.6: Tendai Chatara to Suryakumar Yadav, SIX! SHOT! Over deep extra cover! 150 is up. A fullish delivery, outside off. Yadav leans forward and just plays a lovely lofted drive with great timing as the ball travels all the way into the crowd.

17.5: Tendai Chatara to Hardik Pandya, Nicely bowled again! A very full delivery on off. Pandya fails to get under it and drills it along the ground to long on for a single.

17.4: Tendai Chatara to Suryakumar Yadav, A good yorker, outside off. Yadav skips down the track and ends up digging it out to extra cover for a single.

17.3: Tendai Chatara to Suryakumar Yadav, Slower short ball, outside off. Yadav tries to play a ramp shot. He, however, gets an outside edge that goes over the third man fielder for two runs.

17.2: Tendai Chatara to Suryakumar Yadav, FOUR! This man is just unstoppable! Where will you bowl him? A fullish delivery on off. Yadav moves across to his right, gets low and then scoops it towards the fine leg fence for a boundary.

17.1: Tendai Chatara to Hardik Pandya, Back of a length and outside off. A slower delivery and Pandya slaps it to long off for a single.

16.6: Richard Ngarava to Suryakumar Yadav, A slower length delivery, outside off. Yadav tries to smash it towards the off side but gets an outside edge that goes off the bounce to the keeper. 12 from the over!

16.5: Richard Ngarava to Hardik Pandya, Bowls a full delivery, outside off. Pandya drives it to sweeper cover for a single.

16.4: Richard Ngarava to Suryakumar Yadav, A fullish delivery, outside off. Yadav tries to sweep it again but this time he misses and the ball goes off the pads towards the off side. A leg bye taken.

16.3: Richard Ngarava to Suryakumar Yadav, SIX! Wow! Here is India's own version of Mr.360! A full toss on off. Yadav gets across to his right, kneels and sweeps it over the fine leg fence for a maximum.

16.2: Richard Ngarava to Suryakumar Yadav, A fullish delivery, outside off again. Yadav fails to get his bat on the ball this time.

16.1: Richard Ngarava to Suryakumar Yadav, FOUR! Runs are flowing now! Suryakumar Yadav is in his top gear! A full toss, wide outside off. Yadav is aware that there is no fielder in the deep towards the third man region and just opens the face of his blade to slice it towards the third man fence for a boundary.

15.6: Blessing Muzarabani to Hardik Pandya, FOUR LEG BYES! Poor, poor over from Blessing Muzarabani! Again errs in length and drifts on the legs. Pandya tries to work it towards the leg side. He misses and the ball goes off his thigh pad towards the fine leg fence.

15.5: Blessing Muzarabani to Hardik Pandya, FOUR! Third boundary of the over, a momentum shifting over this! Blessing Muzarabani angles a full delivery on the pads. Pandya flicks it through the backward square leg region for a boundary.

15.4: Blessing Muzarabani to Suryakumar Yadav, A full toss on the pads. Yadav flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

15.3: Blessing Muzarabani to Suryakumar Yadav, FOUR! This time straight down the ground! On a length, on off. Yadav stays deep in his crease and powers it over mid off for a boundary.

15.2: Blessing Muzarabani to Suryakumar Yadav, FOUR! Boundary for Suryakumar Yadav! What a shot! On a length and anling into leg. Yadav moves across to his right and then scoops it almost behind the keeper for a boundary.

15.1: Blessing Muzarabani to Hardik Pandya, Back of a length, on leg. Pandya pushes it to mid on and takes a quick single.

14.6: Wellington Masakadza to Suryakumar Yadav, Short and outside off. Yadav cuts it but finds the fielder at point. Just 4 from the over!

14.5: Wellington Masakadza to Hardik Pandya, This is bowled on a shorter length and into the pads, Hardik Pandya works this to wide long on and some good fielding restricts them to a run. 

14.4: Wellington Masakadza to Suryakumar Yadav, This is angled into the stumps on a fuller length Suryakumar Yadav plays an inside out shot towards deep cover for a single. 

14.3: Wellington Masakadza to Suryakumar Yadav, Loopy delivery bowled full and outside off, Suryakumar Yadav looks to drive but is beaten by the turn as the ball is spinning away. 

14.2: Wellington Masakadza to Hardik Pandya, This is outside the off pole on a shorter length, Hardik Pandya rocks back and punches this towards extra cover for a single. 

14.1: Wellington Masakadza to Hardik Pandya, On the shorter side, outside off. Pandya punches it to the cover fielder.

14.1: Wellington Masakadza to Hardik Pandya, WIDE! Bowls a shortish delivery but it is well outside off. Pandya leaves it.

13.6: Sean Williams to Hardik Pandya, Full delivery driven to deep cover from outside off. Hardik Pandya collects a single to keep strike. 

13.5: Sean Williams to Hardik Pandya, Flighted delivery bowled full and outside off, Hardik Pandya strokes this firmly to cover but cannot beat the fielder. 

13.5: Sean Williams to Hardik Pandya, WIDE! This is down leg side on a shorter length, Hardik Pandya looks to pull but misses and the umpire calls this wide. 

13.4: Sean Williams to Hardik Pandya, This is full and in line with the stumps, Hardik Pandya clips this to the right of the bowler. 

13.3: Sean Williams to Rishabh Pant, OUT! CAUGHT! What an outstanding catch in the deep! That is a superman effort from Ryan Burl and Rishabh Pant short stay at the wicket has come to an end! Sean Williams angles this into the pads on a fuller length, Rishabh Pant gets his front foot out of the way and lofts the ball to wide long on. Ryan Burl covers good distance from his position at long on and dives to his left to take a catch in mid-air. India suddenly find themselves four down and with some work to do. 

Hardik Pandya is the next man in.

13.3: Sean Williams to Rishabh Pant, WIDE! Fires this one down leg side on a fuller length, Rishabh Pant leaves this alone and they get a wide.

13.2: Sean Williams to Suryakumar Yadav, Angling down leg and full, Suryakumar Yadav flicks this uppishly towards mid-wicket and they get another run. 

13.1: Sean Williams to Rishabh Pant, Sean Williams bowls this wide outside off on a fuller length, Rishabh Pant shimmies down the wicket and works this to long on for a run. 

12.6: Sikandar Raza to Rishabh Pant, Angles this one into the pads on a fuller length, Rishabh Pant clips this through mid-wicket with soft hands and looks for a couple but they decide to stick with a single. 

12.5: Sikandar Raza to Rishabh Pant, Continues bowling full and outside the off stump, Rishabh Pant hits this straight back at the bowler. 

12.4: Sikandar Raza to Suryakumar Yadav, Full once again and width offered outside off, Suryakumar Yadav thumps this wide of long off but they have to settle for a run. 

12.3: Sikandar Raza to Rishabh Pant, This is bowled outside off stump on a fuller length, Rishabh Pant strokes the ball to long off and gets off the mark with a single. 

Rishabh Pant walks out to the middle now.

12.2: Sikandar Raza to KL Rahul, OUT! CAUGHT! India have lost both their set batters as KL Rahul perishes after reaching his fifty! This is looped up and bowled wide outside off on a fuller length, KL Rahul attempts to clear the long straight boundary once again but ends up slicing the ball. Wellington Masakadza positions himself at the edge of the boundary line at long off and takes a well-judged catch to send KL Rahul packing. India have lost their third wicket now and will need to rebuild. 

12.1: Sikandar Raza to KL Rahul, SIX! This one is huge and it brings up the half-century for KL Rahul! Sikandar Raza bowls a full delivery outside off, KL Rahul gets under this and thumps it back over the bowler's head for a massive hit.

11.6: Sean Williams to Suryakumar Yadav, Suryakumar Yadav is off the mark straight away! Full delivery in line with the stumps, Suryakumar Yadav flicks this ball towards deep mid-wicket and some good fielding in the deep restricts them to a brace. 

Suryakumar Yadav walks out to the middle now.

11.5: Sean Williams to Virat Kohli, OUT! CAUGHT! The partnership has been broken and it is Sean Williams who gets the breakthrough! The dangerous Virat Kohli makes the long walk back to the pavilion. This is flighted on a shorter length and wide outside off, Virat Kohli looks to force the shot over the long off fielder but does not get the connection as the length is not right. The ball goes high and falls into the palms of Ryan Burl who takes an easy catch and Zimbabwe have their second wicket. 

11.4: Sean Williams to KL Rahul, Goes back to bowling short and angled into the pads, KL Rahul flicks this to deep square leg for one. 

11.3: Sean Williams to Virat Kohli, In line with the stumps on a fuller length, Virat Kohli clips this to deep mid-wicket for a single. 

11.2: Sean Williams to Virat Kohli, Short and wide outside the off stump, this has been pushed to the cover fielder. 

11.1: Sean Williams to Virat Kohli, Slightly short and in line with the stumps, Virat Kohli is down the wicket and hits this back to the bowler. 

10.6: Sikandar Raza to Virat Kohli, Full and outside off once again. Virat Kohli clips this to deep mid-wicket and takes the sixth single of the over to keep strike. 

10.5: Sikandar Raza to KL Rahul, Slightly short and outside the off pole, KL Rahul works this to the long on fielder and rotates the strike with a single. 

10.4: Sikandar Raza to Virat Kohli, Full and straight once again, Virat Kohli knocks this straight to long on and gets another run. 

10.3: Sikandar Raza to KL Rahul, Another really full delivery angled into the stumps, KL Rahul digs it out to deep cover for a single. 

10.2: Sikandar Raza to Virat Kohli, Flights this one outside off and Virat Kohli shimmies down the wicket and gets a full toss which he thumps down to long off for a single. 

10.1: Sikandar Raza to KL Rahul, Sikandar Raza starts off the over with a fullish delivery in line with the stumps, KL Rahul rocks back and flicks the ball to mid-wicket for a single.

DRINKS! India started their inning with a maiden over but soon got a move on with a few boundaries but were pegged back by the dismissal of their skipper Rohit Sharma. Virat Kohli and KL Rahul have looked solid since then and are building a steady partnership that is reaching dangerous proportions for Zimbabwe. The bowlers have not been able to find the required penetration to claim regular wickets and have not been supported by the fielders as there has been some sloppy fielding. India will look to accelerate further after the break while Zimbabwe will be looking to break the partnership and initiate a collapse.

9.6: Tendai Chatara to Virat Kohli, Dot to end the over! Lands it on a length, around off. Kohli punches it off the middle of his blade along the ground to mid off.

9.5: Tendai Chatara to KL Rahul, Serves it on a length, on middle. Rahul works it to mid-wicket for a single.

9.4: Tendai Chatara to KL Rahul, FOUR! Powerful shot! Chatara bangs it short and angles it into middle. Chatara does not have express pace and this one sits up nicely. Rahul pulls it in the gap towards the mid-wicket fence.

9.3: Tendai Chatara to Virat Kohli, On a length, around off. Kohli dabs it in front of backward point and takes a quick single.

9.2: Tendai Chatara to KL Rahul, A slower delivery at 104 kph. A fullish delivery on the pads and Rahul works it to mid-wicket for a single.

9.1: Tendai Chatara to Virat Kohli, Serves a full delivery on middle at 122 kph. Kohli drives it to long on for a single.

8.6: Sikandar Raza to Virat Kohli, Raza keeps it tad shorter again, on middle. Kohli pulls it but gets only a single to deep square leg.

8.5: Sikandar Raza to KL Rahul, Shorter and outside off. Rahul punches it to sweeper cover for a single.

8.4: Sikandar Raza to KL Rahul, Tight line again! On middle and flatter. Rahul tries to drive but hits it off the inside half of his blade. The fielder at mid-wicket, Ervine makes a good dive and stops it.

8.3: Sikandar Raza to Virat Kohli, Angles it on the pads. Kohli flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

8.2: Sikandar Raza to Virat Kohli, Pushes it quicker again, on middle. Kohli tries to drive it but gets the inside edge to short fine leg.

8.1: Sikandar Raza to Virat Kohli, A flatter one to start, on middle. Kohli drives it back to Raza.

7.6: Ryan Burl to KL Rahul, Tossed up on middle. Rahul pushes it back to the bowler.

7.5: Ryan Burl to KL Rahul, FOUR! Finds the boundary again! This is bowled on a fuller length on off. Rahul slog-sweeps it to deep mid-wicket this time. The fielder in the deep is well inside the boundary line and the ball falls behind him and runs away for a boundary.

7.4: Ryan Burl to KL Rahul, SIX! Just over long on! It's an 81 metres hit though, long boundary here in MCG! Tossed up, around off. Rahul slogs it just over the jumping long on fielder for a maximum.

7.3: Ryan Burl to KL Rahul, Rahul skips down the track a bit early and Burl pulls his length back a bit, on off. Rahul adjusts his shot and works it through the deep mid-wicket region for a couple.

7.2: Ryan Burl to Virat Kohli, Bowls a flatter one again, on middle. Kohli drives it to long off for a single.

7.1: Ryan Burl to KL Rahul, A fullish delivery, outside off. Rahul drives it to sweeper cover for a single.

6.6: Wellington Masakadza to KL Rahul, Shorter in length and flatter on off. Rahul rocks back and pulls it to long on for just a single. 8 from the over!

6.5: Wellington Masakadza to KL Rahul, Slower through the air, on off. Rahul drives it off the outside half of his body to point.

6.4: Wellington Masakadza to Virat Kohli, Tad shorter and on middle. Kohli punches it from his crease to long on for a single.

6.3: Wellington Masakadza to Virat Kohli, Angling into the pads again. Kohli works it through mid-wicket for another two runs.

6.2: Wellington Masakadza to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Lovely use of the wrists! A fuller delivery on middle. Kohli flicks it wide of long on where the fielder puts in a dive but fails to stop it. He is looking in supreme touch!

6.1: Wellington Masakadza to Virat Kohli, A fuller delivery on off. Kohli drives it back to the bowler.

5.6: Blessing Muzarabani to Virat Kohli, Single to end the Powerplay and India are 46 for one after 6 overs! On a length and outside off. Kohli steers it to third man for a single.

5.5: Blessing Muzarabani to KL Rahul, On a length and angling into middle. Rahul works it to mid-wicket for a single.

5.4: Blessing Muzarabani to Virat Kohli, Lovely drive! A fullish delivery, around off. Kohli leans forward and drives it crisply through the extra-cover region. The boundary is big on that side and the fielder cuts it off as the batters run three.

5.3: Blessing Muzarabani to KL Rahul, Finds the outside edge this time! Just short of good length, outside off. Rahul tries to push it but gets an outside edge that runs away along the ground to third man for a single.

5.2: Blessing Muzarabani to KL Rahul, FOUR! Width offered and it is punished! Short and wide outside off. Rahul waits for it and then cuts it through backward point for a boundary.

5.1: Blessing Muzarabani to KL Rahul, Bowls a back-of-a-length delivery angling into middle. It bounces quite sharply and Rahul rides the bounce to defend it onto the turf.

4.6: Tendai Chatara to KL Rahul, Bowls this one short and outside the off stump, KL Rahul plays a controlled pull shot towards deep square leg and he will retain the strike with a single. 

4.5: Tendai Chatara to Virat Kohli, Continues bowling full and on the pads, Virat Kohli plays this to deep mid-wicket for one. 

4.4: Tendai Chatara to KL Rahul, Strays onto the pads on a fuller length, easy pickings for KL Rahul as he clips this towards deep square leg and rotates the strike with a single. 

4.3: Tendai Chatara to Virat Kohli, Goes full this time and angles this into the stumps, Virat Kohli flicks this uppishly towards deep square leg and takes a run. 

4.2: Tendai Chatara to Virat Kohli, This is on a good length and outside the off stump. Virat Kohli is watchful as he leaves this one alone. 

4.1: Tendai Chatara to KL Rahul, Tendai Chatara bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump, KL Rahul taps this towards cover-point and takes a single. 

3.6: Blessing Muzarabani to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Virat Kohli is off the mark with a lovely boundary! Blessing Muzarabani fires a yorker-length delivery onto the pads, Virat Kohli does not miss out as he flicks this to the left of short fine leg and gets four runs.

Virat Kohli walks out at number 3!

3.5: Blessing Muzarabani to Rohit Sharma, OUT! CAUGHT! Zimbabwe have drawn first blood and it is the Indian captain that has to make the long walk back to the shed! Blessing Muzarabani bangs the ball in short and just outside the off stump, Rohit Sharma goes for his favorite shot and pulls the ball to the leg side. He is unable to connect well and finds Wellington Masakadza who is placed at deep square leg. The catch is taken comfortably and India's opening partnership woes continue. 

3.4: Blessing Muzarabani to Rohit Sharma, FOUR! Played with loads of control and gets the placement spot on! Blessing Muzarabani bowls this wide outside off on a shorter length, Rohit Sharma guides this to deep backward point and collects four runs. 

3.3: Blessing Muzarabani to Rohit Sharma, Another shortish delivery but gets this one to move back in. The ball is served outside the off pole and Rohit Sharma decides to leave this one alone. 

3.3: Blessing Muzarabani to Rohit Sharma, WIDE! This is beyond the tram line on the off side on a shorter length, Rohit Sharma reaches for it but does not connect and the umpire calls this wide. 

3.2: Blessing Muzarabani to Rohit Sharma, Bowls this one much wider outside the off stump on a fuller length, Rohit Sharma gets a long stride forward and strokes this through the gap in covers for another brace. 

3.1: Blessing Muzarabani to Rohit Sharma, Blessing Muzarabani begins with a back-of-a-length delivery outside the off pole, Rohit Sharma plays a controlled pull shot towards deep square leg and collects two runs. 

Will Tendai Chatara continue? No, it is Blessing Muzarabani who is into the attack now!

2.6: Richard Ngarava to Rohit Sharma, Some sloppy fielding once again! This is bowled on a good length and just outside the off pole, Rohit Sharma gets an inside edge to the right of mid-wicket where the fielder dives over the ball. They take another single and Rohit Sharma will retain the strike. 

2.5: Richard Ngarava to KL Rahul, Goes straight once again and on a good length, KL Rahul clips this towards mid-wicket and a misfield allows them to complete a single. 

2.4: Richard Ngarava to KL Rahul, SIX! KL Rahul gets his first boundary and it is a biggie! Richard Ngarava bowls a leg stump line on a good length, KL Rahul has all the time in the world to heave this towards deep square leg and clears the boundary comfortably for six runs. 

2.3: Richard Ngarava to Rohit Sharma, Straying on the pads on a good length, Rohit Sharma tucks this towards square leg and takes an easy single to rotate the strike. 

2.2: Richard Ngarava to Rohit Sharma, Bowls this one short and outside the off stump, Rohit Sharma mistimes his pull shot towards mid on. 

2.1: Richard Ngarava to KL Rahul, Richard Ngarava fires this on really full and on the pads, KL Rahul flicks this just over the fielder at mid-wicket. The long square boundary allows them to complete three runs. 

1.6: Tendai Chatara to Rohit Sharma, FOUR! First boundary of the inning and it comes from the bat of Rohit Sharma! Tendai Chatara bowls this full and just outside the off stump, Rohit Sharma plays this uppishly past the mid on fielder and the ball races away to the long on fence for four runs. 

1.5: Tendai Chatara to KL Rahul, KL Rahul opens his account now! A good-length delivery in line with the stumps, KL Rahul tucks this ball to the right of mid-wicket and takes a run. 

1.4: Tendai Chatara to Rohit Sharma, First runs on the board for India! Tendai Chatara goes full and angles this into the pads, Rohit Sharma clips the ball to deep mid-wicket for a single to get off the mark. 

1.3: Tendai Chatara to Rohit Sharma, Pulls his length back a fraction and bowls this wide outside off, Rohit Sharma charges down the pitch and swings at this wildly but is beaten.

1.2: Tendai Chatara to Rohit Sharma, The dot balls continue as India are yet to get off the mark! This is an outswinger bowled outside the off pole and on a good length, Rohit Sharma defends this back to the bowler. 

1.1: Tendai Chatara to Rohit Sharma, Tendai Chatara starts off right on the mark. Bowls this on a good length and just outside the off stump, Rohit Sharma blocks this towards mid on. 

Tendai Chatara to share the new ball with Richard Ngarava.

0.6: Richard Ngarava to KL Rahul, Richard Ngarava bowls a maiden in the first over of the inning! A good-length delivery angling away from the off stump. KL Rahul hangs his bat out to drive once again but is beaten all ends up. 

0.5: Richard Ngarava to KL Rahul, Scramble seam delivery served wide outside off and moving further away. KL Rahul feels for the ball and gets beaten. Make that five dot balls now.

0.4: Richard Ngarava to KL Rahul, Attacks the pads once again on a good length, KL Rahul clips this towards square leg. Four dot balls in a row. 

0.3: Richard Ngarava to KL Rahul, On a good length once again and in line with the stumps, KL Rahul defends this to the right of the bowler. 

0.2: Richard Ngarava to KL Rahul, Lovely delivery! Richard Ngarava serves this outside the off stump and gets the ball to angle away. KL Rahul plays for the in-swing and gets beaten. 

0.1: Richard Ngarava to KL Rahul, Richard Ngarava begins with a good-length delivery on the pads, KL Rahul blocks this to the leg side and a dot to start proceedings. 

We are moments away from the start of the game now! Zimbabwe players are out there on the field and the Indian openers, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul also make their way out to the middle now. Richard Ngarava to start the proceedings with the ball. Here we go...

Time for the national anthems! It will be India's first followed by the Zimbabwe national anthem. It is not a full house here in MCG but there are still more than 50,000 people in the ground. We saw Netherlands going the unthinkable in the first game of the day, Can Zimbabwe also pull off a victory to finish off their journey in style? Let's find out.

Craig Ervine, the skipper of Zimbabwe says that they were looking to bowl first as the ball might skid in the evening under lights. Informs that they have two changes with Wellington Masakadza and Tony Munyonga playing as they wanted to give Tony Munyonga a chance. Also adds that Luke Jongwe is injured and they have not explored their spin options in this competition so far, so they wanted to go with spin of Wellington Masakadza.

Rohit Sharma, the skipper of India says that they will have a bat first. He mentions that it is what the team prefers to do and the decision has very little to do with the pitch. Feels that it is a good pitch and wants to put up a strong total on the board which the bowlers will be able to defend. Informs that they have one change as Dinesh Karthik makes way for Rishabh Pant who has not played any games including the warm-up games and they wanted to give him some game time before the semi-finals. Ends by saying that their qualification for the knockouts changes nothing as they still want to play well.

Zimbabwe (Playing XI) - Wesley Madhevere, Craig Ervine (C), Regis Chakabva, Sean Williams (WK), Sikandar Raza, Tony Munyonga (In place of Luke Jongwe), Ryan Burl, Wellington Masakadza (In place of Milton Shumba), Tendai Chatara, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani. 

India (Playing XI) - KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant (WK) (In place of Dinesh Karthik), Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh.

TOSS - The coin goes up and lands in favour of India. They have elected to BAT first.