In absolute victory T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash at MA Chidambaram Stadium, India reached the semi-finals again with a a dominant 72-run victory it’s over Zimbabwe on February 26, 2026. After a big defeat South AfricaIndia’s batting unit found its rhythm to post a record-breaking 256/4, the highest total in T20 World Cup history. Zimbabwe’s chase despite a valiant one-man effort Brian BennettIndia’s bowlers never threatened the target as they executed their plans with clinical precision.
The win not only gives a huge boost to India’s confidence but also significantly improves their net run rate ahead of their ‘quarter-final’ run. West India. The result officially keeps India’s domestic title dream alive while ending Zimbabwe’s intense run in the tournament.
Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya power India to 256/4 against Zimbabwe
India’s innings was a ruthless display of power hitting which saw them rewrite the record books by posting the second highest total in T20 World Cup history. the decision to bring Sanju Samson He returned to the opening XI which immediately paid dividends as he hit two sixes in the opener to set a frenetic pace before falling for 24. Abhishek Sharma then took center stage, silencing his critics with a 30-ball 55 that included four big sixes and laying a solid platform at 80/1 in the Powerplay.
The momentum never wavered Ishan Kishi (38) and Suryakumar Yadav (33) manipulated the fields with ease, but the real destruction happened in the last five. Hardik Pandya He smashed an unbeaten 50 off just 23 deliveries, reaching his milestone with the last six balls, Tilak Varma He provided an equally explosive 44* off 16 balls. Together, they plundered 80 runs, abandoning the Zimbabwean bowlers. Richard Shipp and Blessed Muzarabani looks helpless in the face of attack. That total of 256 effectively bowled Zimbabwe out before the start of the second innings, setting a mountainous required run rate of 12.85.
Also READ: Team India broke multiple batting records against Zimbabwe in T20 World Cup 2026 clash
Brian Bennett’s heroics 97 for nothing as Arshdeep Singh put on a bowling masterclass
Zimbabwe’s pursuit of the mammoth target was defined by an extraordinary solo performance from Bennett, who nearly made his miracle century a lost cause. Bennett was sensational, smashing 97 off 59 balls and taking a particular liking to it. Shivam Dubeywhom he hit for 26 runs. However, he did not find any support from the other side Arshdeep Singh Delivered a masterclass in T20 bowling with figures of 3/24.
To bring out Arshdeep’s 17th double shot Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl It effectively ended any mathematical hopes Zimbabwe had of a comeback. Akhar Patel and Varun Chakraborty It provided the necessary middle-order squeeze, keeping the run rate out of reach despite Bennett’s aggressive batting game.
jasprit bumrah also played his part by stifling the early openers with a string of toe-breaking yorkers that restricted Zimbabwe to 44/0 in the Powerplay. Zimbabwe ended their 20 overs at 184/6, a strong effort but 72 runs short of India’s record total. The win ensures that India’s final Super 8 match against West Indies will be a winner-takes-all encounter for a place in the semi-finals.
Here’s how the fans reacted:
A big win for the Indian team, but Zimbabwe will take home a lot of positives. Brian Bennett, the 2nd highest goalscorer in the World Cup, is the greatest.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 26, 2026
Normal service, restored. This is more like it. Nice to see all the batters showing their shape. Nice build for virtual QF vs WI! #INDvWINTER #T20WC2026 pic.twitter.com/fP3k0ziQle
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) February 26, 2026
Abhi shakes things up once again. #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/gwgI8K9KCd
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) February 26, 2026
A tougher bowling line-up awaits – But the team needed a trip like this to boost that confidence. Especially to a high rank and to Tile in that new role. Indian leg was not the same ball ball story for Zimbabwe – Pitches and size of pitches…
— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) February 26, 2026
A strong performance by India’s batsmen. Of all the innings, India will get the most comfort from returning runs for Abhishek and Tilak, who have shown versatility in the middle order.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 26, 2026
India are back in the race #ICCMensT20 World Cup
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 26, 2026
Good day #TeamIndia you nailed it as expected, pretty much all the box ticked.
There could be more work on the bowling.#INDvsZIM #T20WorldCup26 pic.twitter.com/7q3nezY4O0— Munaf Patel (@munafpa99881129) February 26, 2026
Arshdeep Singh is the King
— Prasanna (@prasannalara) February 26, 2026
Zimbabwe is human, but Brian Bennett is not. What a player they have. We hope he gets an IPL contract. Otherwise, the Islensk Premier League (ÍPL) awaits in May.
— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) February 26, 2026
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: HARDIK PANDYA 🥇🔥
Pressure situation, perfect response 💪 🇮🇳⚡#T20WorldCup2026 #hardikpandya #india #T20WorldCup #cricket pic.twitter.com/rqYupuuYGf
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 26, 2026
