India defeated Zimbabwe by 72 runs after scoring 256/4 in their T20 World Cup Super 8 match. Brian Bennett impressed with 97*, but Zimbabwe fell short in the 257-run chase.
India defeated Zimbabwe by 72 runs in their must-win Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Thursday. Zimbabwe managed only 184/6 while chasing a daunting 257.
Earlier, India had posted 256/4, their highest total in T20 World Cup history and the overall highest in the tournament. The innings featured 17 sixes and contributions across the order.
Abhishek Sharma bounced back from three ducks with a rapid 55 off 30 balls. Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav added useful runs in the middle overs. Hardik Pandya then hit a powerful finish, remaining unbeaten on 50 from 23 balls. Tilak Varma struck 44* off 16 deliveries. Hardik and Tilak added 84 runs in just 31 balls in an unbroken partnership to take India to 257.
Brian Bennett fought hard with an unbeaten 97, but Zimbabwe fell short in the 257 chase. Sikandar Raza(31) offered some resistance, yet no other batter produced a major score. India’s bowlers kept control throughout the innings. Arshdeep Singh led the attack with 3 wickets.
India now face West Indies on Sunday in a virtual quarterfinal. The result in Chennai also confirmed South Africa’s place in the semi-finals, while Zimbabwe exited the tournament.
India got the job done 🇮🇳
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) February 26, 2026
A record batting display led by a great start from @IamSanjuSamson and fifties from @OfficialAbhi04 and @hardikpandya7, backed by @arshdeepsinghh’s impressive spell and a clinical bowling effort from the boys. Strong response 💪
Great win by Team India, but Zimbabwe will take plenty of positives back home. Brian Bennett being the 2nd highest scorer in the World Cup is the biggest one.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 26, 2026
Normal service, restored. That’s more like it. Good to see all the batters showing form. Set up nicely for the virtual QF vs WI! #INDvZIM #T20WC2026 pic.twitter.com/fP3k0ziQle
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) February 26, 2026
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 26, 2026
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