India stayed in the race for the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a commanding 72-run win over Zimbabwe in their Super Eight match at Chepauk. The defending champions posted a massive 256 for 4 in 20 overs and then restricted Zimbabwe to 184 for 6.
The total was the highest of this edition and the second highest in T20 World Cup history. After their loss to South Africa, India needed a strong response, and they delivered in style.
India post record total
Put in to bat by Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza, India came out attacking from the first ball. Sanju Samson, back in the playing eleven, hit a six off the second ball of the innings. He made 24 before falling, but India raced to 80 for 1 in the powerplay.
Abhishek Sharma led the charge at the top. He scored 55 off 30 balls and brought up his maiden T20I fifty in 26 balls. He hit four fours and four sixes and gave India the perfect start.
Ishan Kishan made 38, and Suryakumar Yadav added 33 as India kept the pressure on. The bowlers had no answers as India crossed 150 in the 13th over and 200 in the 17th.
Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma finished the innings in grand fashion. The pair added 84 runs in just 31 balls. Pandya smashed an unbeaten 50 off 23 balls, hitting two sixes off the final two deliveries. Tilak remained not out on 44 from only 14 balls. India struck 17 sixes and 17 fours in total.
Bennett fights lone battle
Chasing 257 was always going to be tough. Zimbabwe made a steady start and reached 44 without loss in the powerplay. Axar Patel broke the stand by dismissing Tadiwanashe Marumani.
Brian Bennett once again impressed with the bat. He scored an unbeaten 97 off 59 balls, hitting eight fours and six sixes. He reached his fifty in 36 balls and kept fighting till the end.
Sikandar Raza scored 31, but there was little support from the rest of the batters. Zimbabwe finished on 184 for 6.
Arshdeep Singh was the pick of the Indian bowlers with figures of 3 for 24 in four overs.
With this win, India set up a must-win clash against the West Indies. Zimbabwe, which had earlier beaten Australia and Sri Lanka to reach the Super Eights, is now out of the tournament.
