India, Feb. 26 -- Much of the evening was spent realising this was a colossal mismatch in standards. West Indies piled up 254 at Wankhede, India plundered 256 at Chepauk-Zimbabwe flattered to deceive, but India's batting unit delivered a statement as clinical as it was commanding. India didn't merely bat-they imposed themselves, dictated the tempo, and demonstrated the depth that has become the hallmark of this era of Indian white-ball cricket. This 72-run win was exactly what India needed ahead of the West Indies match at Eden Gardens on Sunday.

From the outset, India's batting intent was unmistakable. All three openers were deployed for the first time in this World Cup, each walking in with clarity: assess briefly, then accelerate. Bou...