Being the best T20 team ever assembled before the T20 World Cup 2026, India did not imagine that a Super Eight stage game against Zimbabwe would suddenly be a knockout. But that is exactly where they find themselves.
A crushing 76-run defeat to South Africa in Ahmedabad has pushed the defending champions into a corner. Their margin for error is gone. From here on, every game is a must-win. And even two victories may not guarantee passage to the Super 8s if the West Indies manage to beat South Africa earlier on Thursday.
However, due to this, the Chepauk crowd will be on the edge of their seats, supporting the Suryakumar Yadav-led side with full zest and excitement.
Chennai Metro steps in for high-voltage clash
With the stakes high and a full house expected at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has rolled out a fan-friendly initiative. On match day, metro travel to and from the stadium will be free for ticket holders.
The physical match ticket, equipped with a unique QR code, will double up as a metro pass. Fans can scan the same QR code at Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) gates and travel from any metro station to the Government Estate Metro station and back. Each ticket is valid for one round trip on Thursday.
Services will be extended until midnight to manage the post-match rush. The last train from Government Estate Metro station towards Wimco Nagar Depot will depart at 12 am, while the final service towards the Airport line will also leave at midnight. During the extended window after 11 pm, passengers heading to the Green Line can interchange only at Chennai Central. Entry into Government Estate station will close 10 minutes before the last departure of each train.
The move is done to reduce traffic congestion around Chepauk, which is expected to witness peak-hour chaos on Thursday evening.
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