CHENNAI : India say they will stick to their “fearless” approach as they prepare for a decisive T20 World Cup clash against the West Indies, with the final semi-final spot from Group 1 at stake.

The defending champions revived their campaign with a 72-run win over Zimbabwe in Chennai, bouncing back from a heavy defeat to South Africa in their Super Eights opener. The result keeps India in contention ahead of Sunday’s showdown in Kolkata.

India piled up 256-4 at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, the second-highest total in men’s T20 World Cup history. Opener Abhishek Sharma struck 55, while Hardik Pandya finished unbeaten on 50 as India launched a sustained assault featuring 17 sixes and 17 fours.

Tilak Varma, who made a rapid 44 off 19 balls in an unbeaten 84-run partnership with Pandya, said the team intends to maintain its aggressive mindset.

“We want to play the fearless cricket, the brand of cricket we played today and we played since last year,” Varma said. He added that India would carry the same intent and intensity into the West Indies match.

India reshuffled their opening combination with the return of Sanju Samson, who provided early momentum with 24 off 15 balls. Abhishek registered his first half-century of the tournament after struggling earlier, having been dismissed for three ducks in four innings.

Varma said the team had discussed maintaining momentum regardless of early setbacks. “Even if we lose three or four wickets in the powerplay, we will bat with the same rhythm,” he said.

Bowling boost ahead of Kolkata clash

India’s bowling attack also delivered against Zimbabwe. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh claimed 3-24, restricting Zimbabwe to 184-6. He moved past Jasprit Bumrah to become India’s leading wicket-taker in men’s T20 World Cup history with 35 wickets.

“We knew we just had to follow our processes,” Arshdeep said after the match, expressing confidence in the team’s approach.

The West Indies, meanwhile, will enter Sunday’s contest after losing to South Africa by nine wickets, despite having posted 254-6 against Zimbabwe earlier in the Super Eights.

India, ranked No. 1 in T20 cricket, arrived at the tournament with expectations of posting record-breaking totals, but their batting had faced scrutiny after early struggles, including a collapse to 77-6 against the United States in their opening match.

Sunday’s match in Kolkata will determine which team joins South Africa in the semi-finals from Group 1. No team has successfully defended a men’s T20 World Cup title, and no side has lifted the trophy on home soil.