"Must win games reveal temperament": Sachin Tendulkar lauds India's comeback against ZImbabwe to keep T20WC title defence alive
New Delhi, February 27
Following India's 72-run win over Zimbabwe, which keeps their ICC T20 World Cup campaign alive, legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar hailed the team's comeback, saying that "must win games reveal temperament".
Putting behind all the heartbreak and outside noise caused by a 76-run loss to South Africa at Ahmedabad, which sent their net-run-rate into negatives, Team India posted their highest T20 World Cup, stamping its authority over Zimbabwe by playing their attacking brand of cricket to its fullest potential. Despite a lack of a standout massive score by the batters, it was a change in their strike rates and the intent of attacking right from ball one which finally let over a billion fans breathe a sigh of relief.
In a post on X, Tendulkar said, "Must-win games reveal temperament. 256 revealed plenty! Highest total of this T20 World Cup, and what stood out was the intent throughout the game today. Well played, India, take this rhythm into the next game. Congratulations to Zimbabwe as well on a great tournament!"
India was put to bat first by Zimbabwe and they put their highest T20 WC total of 256/4 on the board courtesy knocks from Abhishek Sharma (55 in 30 balls, with four boundaries and four sixes), Hardik Pandya (50* in 23 balls, with two fours and four sixes) and Tilak Varma (44* in 16 balls, with three fours and four sixes). In reply, Zimbabwe was valiant, posting 184/6 in 20 overs, courtesy a fine 97* in 59 balls, consisting of eight fours and six sixes by Brian Bennett and a 21-ball 31 by skipper Sikandar Raza. Arshdeep Singh (3/24) was the top wicket-taker for India.
— ANI
Reader Comments
What a thrilling match to watch! The intent from ball one was visible. Abhishek, Hardik, Tilak - everyone contributed. Brian Bennett's knock for Zimbabwe was also brilliant. Great sportsmanship all around.
Finally, the batting clicked as a unit! No single centurion, but everyone played with a high strike rate. That's the modern T20 template. Hope they carry this momentum. Arshdeep's bowling was top class too.
Good win, but let's be honest, the real test is yet to come. Zimbabwe fought well, but we need to see this intent against top sides like Australia or England. The middle order consistency is still a question mark for me.
The entire nation was holding its breath! So proud of the boys for bouncing back. Hardik's finishing was superb. On to the next one! 💙
When the Master praises your intent, you know you've done something right. This is the brand of cricket that wins World Cups. Well played, Team India. Now don't take the foot off the pedal!
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