T20 World Cup 2026: India bounce back to hammer Zimbabwe, bolster semifinal chances

Despite losing their first Super 8 Group 1 match against South Africa in a humiliating manner, India bounced back strongly to keep their T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal hopes alive after hammering in-form Zimbabwe by 72 runs in their second crucial Super 8 stage encounter at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Thursday.

Chasing a mammoth victory target of 257, Zimbabwe were never on the chase. They were eventually restricted for 184 for the loss of six wickets in the stipulated 20 overs.

Though Brian Bennett played a brilliant knock of 97 from just 59 balls, he could not get any support from the other end. Arshdeep Singh was the best bowler for India who captured three wickets by giving away 24 runs. 

Earlier, India produced a batting masterclass, piling up a record-breaking 256/4 in their 20 overs-  their highest total ever in the tournament’s history.

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2026: India smash their highest-ever total in mega event

The innings was powered by a series of explosive contributions throughout the order. Abhishek Sharma led the charge with a fluent 55, while Hardik Pandya added further firepower with a brisk half-century, scoring 50. Sanju Samson set the tone early with a quick 24 at the top of the order before being dismissed.

Promoted changes in the batting lineup also paid dividends. Ishan Kishan, slotted in at No. 3, compiled a handy 38 off just 24 balls. Captain Suryakumar Yadav unleashed a rapid cameo, smashing 33 in only 13 deliveries. Tilak Varma, sent in at No. 6, delivered a late onslaught, blasting 44 off a mere 16 balls as India finished with a staggering 34 boundaries including 17 fours and 17 sixes.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers endured a torrid outing. Tinotenda Maposa leaked 40 runs in just two overs, while Brad Evans finished with figures of 0/52 from his four overs. Blessing Muzarabani briefly provided hope by removing the in-form Samson, but he too proved expensive, ending with 43 runs conceded in his spell.