In a must-win T20 World Cup 2026 Tremendous 8 conflict on the MA Chidambaram Stadium, India surged again into semifinal rivalry with a dominant 72-run victory over Zimbabwe on February 26, 2026. After a stinging defeat to South Africa, India’s batting unit discovered its rhythm to put up a record-shattering 256/4, the best complete in T20 World Cup historical past. Zimbabwe’s chase, regardless of a valiant lone-warrior effort from Brian Bennett, by no means actually threatened the goal as India’s bowlers executed their plans with scientific precision.
This victory not solely gives a large increase to India’s confidence but in addition considerably repairs their Web Run Fee forward of the ‘quarterfinal’ showdown with the West Indies. The outcome formally retains India’s dream of a home-soil title alive whereas ending Zimbabwe’s spirited run within the event.
Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya energy India to 256/4 in opposition to Zimbabwe
India’s innings was a relentless show of power-hitting that noticed them rewrite the file books by posting the second-highest complete in all T20 World Cup historical past. The choice to deliver Sanju Samson again into the XI to open paid rapid dividends, as he struck two sixes within the opening over to set a frantic tempo earlier than falling for twenty-four. Abhishek Sharma then took middle stage, silencing his critics with a blistering 30-ball 55 that featured 4 huge sixes and laid a strong platform at 80/1 within the Powerplay.
The momentum by no means dipped, as Ishan Kishan (38) and Suryakumar Yadav (33) manipulated the fields with ease, however the true devastation occurred within the last 5 overs. Hardik Pandya smashed an unbeaten 50 off simply 23 deliveries, reaching his milestone with a final-ball six, whereas Tilak Varma offered an equally explosive 44* off 16 balls. Collectively, they plundered 80 runs within the dying overs, leaving the Zimbabwean bowlers together with Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani trying helpless in opposition to the onslaught. This complete of 256 successfully batted Zimbabwe out of the sport earlier than the second innings started, setting a mountainous required run fee of 12.85.
Additionally READ: Group India shatter a number of batting data vs Zimbabwe in T20 World Cup 2026 conflict
Brian Bennett’s heroic 97 in useless as Arshdeep Singh leads bowling masterclass
Zimbabwe’s pursuit of the mammoth goal was outlined by the extraordinary solo efficiency of Bennett, who almost pulled off a miracle century in a dropping trigger. Bennett was sensational, smashing 97 off 59 balls and taking a selected liking to Shivam Dube, whom he hit for 26 runs in a single over. Nonetheless, he discovered no assist from the opposite finish as Arshdeep Singh delivered a masterclass in T20 bowling, ending with figures of three/24.
Arshdeep’s double-strike within the seventeenth over to take away Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl successfully ended any mathematical hope Zimbabwe had of a comeback. Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy offered the required middle-order squeeze, guaranteeing the run fee remained out of attain regardless of Bennett’s aggressive stroke-play.
Jasprit Bumrah additionally performed his half, stifling the openers early on with a sequence of toe-crushing yorkers that restricted Zimbabwe to 44/0 within the Powerplay. Zimbabwe completed their 20 overs at 184/6, a spirited effort however one which fell 72 runs in need of India’s file complete. The win ensures that India’s last Tremendous 8 match in opposition to the West Indies can be a winner-takes-all encounter for a spot within the semifinals.
Right here’s how followers reacted:
Nice win by Group India, however Zimbabwe will take loads of positives again residence. Brian Bennett being the 2nd highest scorer within the World Cup is the most important one.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 26, 2026
Regular service, restored. That’s extra prefer it. Good to see all of the batters exhibiting kind. Arrange properly for the digital QF vs WI! #INDvZIM #T20WC2026 pic.twitter.com/fP3k0ziQle
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) February 26, 2026
Abhi-shaking issues up as soon as once more. #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/gwgI8K9KCd
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) February 26, 2026
Harder bowling line ups await – However the crew simply wanted an outing like this to get that confidence increase. Particularly to the highest order and Tilak in that new position. The India leg hasn’t been the identical fairytale for Zimbabwe with the ball – The pitches and the dimensions of the…
— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) February 26, 2026
A robust efficiency by India ‘s batters. Of all of the innings, India will derive most consolation from the return to runs for Abhishek and Tilak who confirmed his versatility within the center order.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 26, 2026
India are again within the race for the #ICCMensT20WorldCup
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 26, 2026
Sabash #TeamIndia you nailed it guys as anticipated, all field ticked virtually.Bowling might be extra work on.#INDvsZIM #T20WorldCup26 pic.twitter.com/7q3nezY4O0
— Munaf Patel (@munafpa99881129) February 26, 2026
Arshdeep Singh is King
— Prasanna (@prasannalara) February 26, 2026
Zimbabwe are human however Brian Bennett is not. What a participant they’ve. We hope he will get an IPL deal. If not, the Íslensk Premier League (ÍPL) awaits in Might.
— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) February 26, 2026
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: HARDIK PANDYA 🥇🔥
Stress state of affairs, good response 💪 🇮🇳⚡#T20WorldCup2026 #hardikpandya #india #T20WorldCup #Cricket pic.twitter.com/rqYupuuYGf
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 26, 2026
Additionally READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Sanju Samson or Ishan Kishan? Suryakumar Yadav reveals India’s wicketkeeper vs Zimbabwe
