Highlights:
- India scored 256 for 4, their highest total in T20 World Cup history.
- India hit 17 sixes, the most by India in a single T20 World Cup match.
- Hardik Pandya made an unbeaten 50 off 23 balls and was named Player of the Match.
- Arshdeep Singh became India’s leading wicket-taker in T20 World Cups with 34 wickets.
- Zimbabwe were eliminated despite Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 97.
India register record T20 total against Zimbabwe
India delivered a comprehensive performance in the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, defeating Zimbabwe in Chennai and positioning India for a decisive match against West Indies on Sunday (28). The result leaves India in control of their semifinal qualification prospects.
Batting first at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, India scored 256 for 4 in 20 overs. The total is India’s highest in T20 World Cup history and one of the highest ever recorded in the tournament. It surpassed India’s previous best of 218 in the competition.
India’s innings was built on consistent acceleration. Six batters faced at least 10 deliveries, and each maintained a strike rate above 150. The strike rates ranged from 158.33 to 275. India struck 17 sixes in the innings, setting a new record for the team in a single T20 World Cup match.
India top order sets platform in Chennai
Abhishek Sharma provided early momentum for India with 55 off 30 balls, registering his maiden T20 World Cup half-century. He attacked Zimbabwe’s pace bowlers before being dismissed by a slower delivery in the 13th over.
Ishan Kishan added 38 off 24 balls, targeting Zimbabwe’s spin attack and maintaining India’s scoring rate through the middle overs. Suryakumar Yadav contributed 33 off 13 balls after being dropped earlier in his innings. Zimbabwe’s fielding lapses continued to impact matches in the Super Eight stage, with five dropped catches across two games after conceding just one in the first round.
Hardik Pandya anchored the final phase of India’s innings. He remained unbeaten on 50 off 23 deliveries, ensuring India crossed the 250 mark. After the match, Pandya said the knock was important for him personally, as he had been trying to overhit in recent matches and wanted to focus on timing instead of power.
India’s ability to maintain scoring pressure throughout the 20 overs reflected a structured batting approach. The top and middle order converted starts into impact contributions, resulting in one of India’s most complete batting displays in T20 World Cup competition.
India bowlers restrict Zimbabwe in chase
Zimbabwe chose to bowl first, anticipating assistance for seamers in the early overs. However, India’s bowlers capitalized more effectively on the conditions.
Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya shared the new ball and controlled the early overs. Zimbabwe were restricted to 33 runs in the first five overs, immediately falling behind the required rate.
Arshdeep’s two-wicket spell in the 17th over proved decisive in statistical terms. His tally reached 34 wickets in T20 World Cups, surpassing Jasprit Bumrah’s previous India record of 33. The milestone further strengthens Arshdeep’s role as a key bowler for India in ICC tournaments.
Zimbabwe’s chase never approached India’s total. Brian Bennett remained unbeaten on 97, but the innings did not significantly alter the result. Sikandar Raza reached a personal landmark, becoming only the second cricketer in T20 Internationals to complete 3,000 runs and 100 wickets.
Despite the overall dominance, India will assess certain bowling performances. Shivam Dube conceded 46 runs in two overs, and Varun Chakravarthy allowed 35 runs in four overs. Those areas may require adjustment ahead of the next match.
India vs West Indies now decisive for semifinal path
With this victory, India strengthened their net run rate and removed dependence on other results. India now face West Indies in what effectively becomes a quarterfinal scenario within the Super Eight stage.
Three wins remain between India and the T20 World Cup title. The performance against Zimbabwe demonstrated India’s batting depth and ability to control matches across phases. India’s net run rate boost may prove critical in final group standings.
Zimbabwe exit the tournament after progressing from the group stage but struggling under pressure in the Super Eight phase.
India’s performance in Chennai places them firmly in contention for a semifinal berth. The upcoming contest against West Indies will determine whether India convert this momentum into a place in the final four.
