Excitement and apprehension competed for effect ahead of India’s last international here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, against Zimbabwe in the Super 8s of the T20 World Cup in February.

A crushing loss to South Africa in their opening fixture had pushed Suryakumar Yadav’s men to the point of no-return. A loss to Zimbabwe would have ended their title defence. But India regrouped in spectacular fashion to post their highest total of the tournament (256), eke out a commanding 72-run triumph and embark on a four-match winning spree which culminated in an emphatic conquest of New Zealand in the title round.