10.04 pm: India exit the group stages with six out of six wins to their name as they now look forward to facing Bangladesh in their quarter-final match-up at the MCG on March 19.
Zimbabwe, while they have played some wonderful cricket at times, have to head on the next jet to Harare, with Brendan Taylor leaving with some special memories from this tournament, having become the first and only Zimbabwean to score 400 runs in a single edition, not to mention, score back-to-back World Cup tons as well. But in the end, Raina's 110*, along with Dhoni's 85*, ensured India got over the line.
Now I could just give you the usual spiel to close this off, but I will let the master take it away. This is Rohan Sharma, signing off for ESPNcricinfo!
MS Dhoni, India captain: Even when Virat went in to bat, we felt a bit of pressure. Zimbabwe are a good side, but we were expected to win. The wicket really wasn't coming on nicely, and we didn't have enough pace to work with. Our lower order got a bit to bat. Raina is a key player for us at No. 5. The partnership between Raina and I was very good. Everyone has been put under pressure, whether the three fast bowlers or the spinners, or the top order in a few games. This is the difference between playing here and a bilateral series, where the lower order is hardly tested. That's why these games can be tough as the lower order have not got a lot of chances to bat. (What is it that has changed in the Indian team after the Tri-Series, to make this side better?) I think it is more the processes than the results. Also the way the boys have taken on their responsibilities quite well. We have been here for over three months now, and we need to give the guys some break in between, so getting fresh has helped as well. The fans have come in huge numbers, which has also gone a long way.
Brendan Taylor, Zimbabwe captain: We played some brilliant cricket, and have been shoddy at times. It hasn't been a lot in it though, just a few dropped catches, and maybe finishing off the death bowling, but overall we have played some good cricket. After 50 overs I would have taken 280, but the last four-five overs we should have got it up to 310-320. They played the better cricket, and while that dropped catch would have helped (Hamilton drop to Raina), India proved why they are the top of the group. It is nice to get a few runs, but it is sad to have ended. It has been a joyful ride though.
9.52 pm: Don't go anywhere just yet as we are expecting more quotes from the match presentation.
Suresh Raina, Man of the Match: I am glad the hard work came off. I thought the wicket was really good, and if ever I got the ball I can go after, then I would go after it. Once MS came, it certainly helped as well. When the team needed me the most, I just wanted to be positive and smart, especially in the Powerplays. Glad we were able to do it really well in the end. MS and I have played a lot of matches together, and have finished a lot of matches together. MS told me that I just can't smash every ball, but he did back my strengths on the field. (When asked if this was his most important ton?) It is a very important award to me, to add to my Man of the Match award from the U-19 World Cup as well.
9.48 pm: Spare a thought for Brendan Taylor, whose majestic 138 went in vain as Zimbabwe, at least in the first 20-25 overs of this chase, threatened to pull the rug from underneath India's feet, but fell away at the end to give India a firm grip on the game.
9.46 pm: This is India's highest successful run-chase in a World Cup match, not to mention their 10th consecutive World Cup match success on the trot. Raina and Dhoni rescued India with their 196-run stand, which is also a record for their highest five-wicket stand in a World Cup match.
END OF OVER:48 | 8 Runs | IND: 279/4 (9 runs required from 12 balls, RR: 5.81, RRR: 4.50)
- Suresh Raina109 (102b)
- MS Dhoni77 (74b)
- Tendai Chatara10-1-59-0
- Tawanda Mupariwa10-0-61-0
Abhishek: "This match has been eerily similar to the NZ vs Bang match."