India registered a शानदार 72-run victory over Zimbabwe in the Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Chasing a massive target of 257 runs set by India in Chennai on Thursday, Zimbabwe managed 184 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
Batting first, India piled up a huge total of 256 runs for the loss of four wickets — the second-highest total in T20 World Cup history. Indian batters smashed 17 sixes during the innings, marking the highest number of sixes hit by India in a single T20 World Cup match.
Young batter Abhishek Sharma scored his maiden World Cup half-century, making 55 runs. Hardik Pandya played an explosive unbeaten knock of 50 runs off just 23 balls.
Towards the end, Hardik and Tilak Varma stitched together a quick 84-run partnership in just 31 balls to power India to a commanding total.
India made a change in their opening combination, bringing in Sanju Samson in place of Rinku Singh. Samson provided a solid start, scoring 24 runs off 15 balls.
In reply, Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett fought a lone battle with an unbeaten 97 runs, including six sixes, but could not guide his team to victory. Dropped catches at crucial moments also proved costly for Zimbabwe.
With the ball, Arshdeep Singh claimed three wickets and surpassed Jasprit Bumrah to become India’s highest wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history. Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy picked up one wicket each.
With this victory, India’s confidence has soared. They will next face West Indies cricket team on Sunday in what is being considered a virtual quarterfinal. The winner of that match will advance to the semifinals.
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