India Beat Zimbabwe by 72 Runs – Big Winning Performance in Super 8 (T20 World Cup 2026)
India claimed a crucial victory over Zimbabwe by 72 runs in their Super 8 Group 1 match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. A strong batting display followed by disciplined bowling ensured India kept their semifinal hopes alive.
India Innings – Record Total Powered by Power Hits
India posted a huge total of 256/4 in 20 overs, their highest total of this T20 World Cup edition.
- Abhishek Sharma was one of the key innings, scoring a quick 55 off 30 balls, injecting momentum into the Indian innings.
- Hardik Pandya played a devastating cameo, blasting a fast *50-plus innings at the death that boosted India’s total significantly.
- Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma also contributed with valuable runs to take India past 250.
This piled-up score put immense pressure on Zimbabwe’s chase from the outset.
Zimbabwe Innings – Battling But Outpowered
Chasing 257, Zimbabwe were restricted to 184/6 in their 20 overs. Despite some resistance, they couldn’t keep up with the required rate.
- Brian Bennett was Zimbabwe’s standout batter, finishing with an impressive 97 not out off 59, but lacked sufficient support to mount a serious challenge.
- Other contributions helped Zimbabwe reach a respectable score, but India’s bowlers never allowed them to stay in contention.
Bowling Highlights
India’s bowlers executed their plans well to slow Zimbabwe’s progress after the initial powerplay, keeping crucial partnerships in check and restricting the chase.
Match Summary
- India: 256/4 (20 overs)
- Zimbabwe: 184/6 (20 overs)
- Result: India won by 72 runs
- Player of the Match: Hardik Pandya (for his impactful batting towards the end