India kept their semi-final hopes alive with a dominant 72-run victory over Zimbabwe in a Super Eight match of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Thursday.
Batting first after Zimbabwe opted to bowl, India piled up a massive 256/4 in 20 overs — their highest-ever total in T20 World Cup history. Abhishek Sharma led the early charge with a blistering 55 off 30 balls, while Ishan Kishan (38) and Suryakumar Yadav (33) added quick runs in the middle overs. The late assault came from Hardik Pandya, who smashed an unbeaten 50 off just 23 deliveries, and Tilak Varma, who remained not out on 44 off 16 balls. The duo stitched an explosive 84-run stand in only 31 balls to power India past the 250-mark.
In response, Zimbabwe fought back through Brian Bennett’s valiant unbeaten 97, but the steep target proved too much. They finished at 184/6 in 20 overs. Arshdeep Singh starred with the ball, claiming 3/24, while the Indian bowlers maintained control despite a few expensive overs.
With this emphatic win, India stay in contention for a semi-final berth. They will now face the West Indies cricket team in a must-win clash in Kolkata, effectively a virtual quarter-final. The winner advances to the semi-finals, while the loser exits the tournament.
