India won by 72 runs in a dominant display against Zimbabwe in their must-win Super 8 clash of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium.
Batting first, India posted a mammoth 256/4, overtaking the West Indies’ previous total to register the second-highest score in T20 World Cup history.
The innings was powered by Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya, who unleashed aggressive, boundary-filled knocks. Hardik brought up his half-century in style with a six off the final ball of the innings. Abhishek Sharma also dazzled with a quick-fire fifty, while Suryakumar Yadav provided crucial support through the middle overs as India piled on relentless pressure.
A comprehensive victory #TeamIndia clinch the #INDvZIM clash by 7️⃣2️⃣ runs courtesy of an all-round effort!
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/p4GxtxGkBf#T20WorldCup | #MenInBlue pic.twitter.com/Sk1dlTQ4FD
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 26, 2026
In response, Zimbabwe began steadily, through Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani, stitching together a promising start. However, Axar Patel broke the stand by dismissing Marumani after the powerplay. Bennett tried to counterattack with a flurry of boundaries, but Varun Chakaravarthy struck at a key moment to remove Dion Myers and shift the momentum back in India’s favor.
At the halfway stage, Zimbabwe were 73/2, with Bennett anchoring the chase and Sikandar Raza at the crease. As the required rate continued to soar, India’s bowlers tightened their grip. Arshdeep Singh then delivered the decisive blow, removing Raza before striking again in his next over to derail the chase completely.
Despite a late flourish and some big hits in the final over, Zimbabwe managed only 184/6 in their 20 overs, as India sealed a comprehensive 72-run victory to boost their Super 8 campaign.
Squads:
India Squad: Ishan Kishan (w), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson
Zimbabwe Squad: Tadiwanashe Marumani (w), Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza (c), Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Ben Curran, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Wellington Masakadza.
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End of Over 20: Zimbabwe 184/6
Shivam Dube’s final over proved expensive, but it had little impact on the result as India had already sealed the game.
The over began with a single before drama unfolded at 19.2 — a no-ball followed by a wide gave Zimbabwe extra deliveries. Tashinga Musekiwa capitalised, launching a short ball straight down the ground for a six. However, Dube responded by having him caught behind while attempting another big slog.
Brad Evans added a single, but Brian Bennett finished strongly. He smashed a six over deep mid-wicket and followed it up with a boundary to close the innings on a high.
Zimbabwe ended on 184/6 after 20 overs, but India’s earlier dominance ensured a commanding 72-run victory despite the late flurry of runs.
End of Over 19: Zimbabwe 164/5
Arshdeep Singh delivers another superb over at the death, conceding just three runs and picking up a crucial wicket.
Tony Munyonga was cleaned up by a searing yorker that followed him as he tried to create room. The stumps were shattered, and Zimbabwe’s hopes took another major hit. It was a brilliantly executed delivery under pressure.
Brian Bennett managed a couple of singles, while Tashinga Musekiwa added one to the total, but Arshdeep’s accuracy was outstanding. A pinpoint yorker beat Bennett, and a full toss was hit straight to the fielder, keeping the scoring in check.
At 164/5 after 19 overs, Zimbabwe need a big final over, while India are firmly in control heading into the finish.
End of Over 18: Zimbabwe 161/4
A steady over from Hardik Pandya at a crucial stage of the chase. Zimbabwe pick up nine runs but fail to find the big hit they desperately need.
Brian Bennett played an inventive scoop to third man for four, briefly raising hopes, and rotated strike with a single off a full toss. Tony Munyonga managed a couple of yorkers and added another single, but Hardik finished the over strongly, beating Munyonga with a full delivery as he attempted a big slog.
At 161/4 after 18 overs, Zimbabwe still have work to do. The required rate is climbing, and with just two overs remaining, India remains slightly ahead in the contest.
End of Over 17: Zimbabwe 152/4
Arshdeep Singh has turned the game on its head with a superb over. After a quiet first ball, he removed Sikandar Raza, who mistimed a pull shot and was caught at long-on. Two balls later, Ryan Burl was trapped lbw. The on-field decision was reviewed, but ball-tracking showed three reds, confirming the dismissal.
In the space of a few deliveries, Zimbabwe slipped from 144/2 to 144/4, losing two key batters at a crucial stage of the chase.
Tony Munyonga tried to fight back with two boundaries at the end of the over, but the damage had already been done. At 152/4 after 17 overs, the pressure is firmly on Zimbabwe, while India have regained control at the death.
End of Over 16: Zimbabwe 144/2
Sikandar Raza keeps the charge alive with a commanding over against Varun Chakravarthy. He sets the tone immediately, launching a massive six over mid-wicket before following it up with a crisp lofted drive through extra cover for four.
Varun does manage a dot and concedes just a single bye in between, but the damage is done. Eleven runs come off the over, and Zimbabwe continues to build momentum.
At 144/2 after 16 overs, the equation is still steep but with Bennett in sublime touch and Raza now accelerating confidently, India suddenly have a real contest on their hands.
End of Over 15: Zimbabwe 131/2
Shivam Dube is taken apart as Brian Bennett explodes in spectacular fashion, plundering runs all around the ground. The over begins innocuously with a couple, but Bennett quickly shifts gears, launching a massive six over mid-wicket before following it up with back-to-back boundaries.
Dube completely loses his radar thereafter, conceding multiple wides and a no-ball. And just when it seemed the over couldn’t get worse, Bennett finishes it off with a towering six over deep extra-cover.
A massive 26-run over propels Zimbabwe to 131/2 after 15 overs. The momentum has dramatically shifted, Bennett is in absolute beast mode, and suddenly this chase has serious life.
End of Over 14: Zimbabwe 105/2
Axar Patel keeps things relatively tight, but Sikandar Raza finds a crucial boundary to keep Zimbabwe ticking. After two early dots to Bennett, Raza breaks the pressure with a crisp drive through the covers for four.
Apart from that, India managed to restrict the damage to singles, with Axar mixing his pace cleverly and even drawing a mistimed hit straight to the fielder. A wide adds a bonus run, but it’s still just eight off the over.
At 105/2 after 14 overs, Zimbabwe needs a dramatic late surge. Bennett remains composed on his fifty-plus score, while Raza is beginning to shift gears, yet the required rate is now climbing into the stratosphere.
End of Over 13: Zimbabwe 97/2
Brian Bennett brings up a superb half-century in style, taking on Jasprit Bumrah and launching him over long-on for a towering six. It was a strategic stroke – backing away to create room and striking it cleanly to keep Zimbabwe’s hopes flickering.
Bumrah mixed his lengths cleverly otherwise, conceding just singles around the ground and even slipping in a dot ball to stall momentum briefly. Ten runs come off the over, but with Zimbabwe now 97/2 after 13 overs, the equation remains daunting. Bennett is anchoring the chase beautifully, while Raza continues to support with smart rotation, yet India still holds the upper hand as the required rate soars.
End of Over 12: Zimbabwe 87/2
Sikandar Raza injects some momentum with a clean strike over mid-wicket, pulling Varun Chakaravarthy for a six after initially looking a touch uneasy against the spinner. The over began with a cautious dot, but Raza quickly shifted gears to keep the chase alive.
Varun, however, responded well, limiting the damage to nine runs in total. Bennett and Raza continue to rotate strike smartly, but with Zimbabwe now 87/2 after 12 overs, the required rate is climbing steeply, and India remain firmly in control despite that solitary maximum.
End of Over 11: Zimbabwe 78/2
Axar Patel keeps it tight with a tidy over, conceding just five singles. Sikandar Raza and Brian Bennett look to rotate strike rather than take risks, nudging the ball into the gaps and keeping the scoreboard ticking.
Raza was briefly beaten attempting a slog across the line, but otherwise the pair have settled into consolidation mode. With 78 on the board after 11 overs, Zimbabwe still have a mountain to climb, and the required rate continues to rise despite the steady accumulation.
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End of Over 10: Zimbabwe 73/2
Varun Chakaravarthy strikes at a crucial moment! Dion Myers falls attempting a slog sweep, only to find Tilak Varma in the deep. The wicket halts Zimbabwe’s brief surge after the previous over’s fireworks. Varun keeps it tight otherwise, conceding just a few singles as Zimbabwe slip to 73/2 at the halfway mark.
End of Over 9: Zimbabwe 70/1
Brian Bennett shifts gears in style! He takes on Axar Patel with authority, smashing two sixes and a boundary in a momentum-changing over. Bennett uses his feet brilliantly, clearing long-on and slog-sweeping over deep mid-wicket to put India under pressure.
Zimbabwe surge to 70/1, keeping the chase alive with aggressive intent.
End of Over 8: Zimbabwe 51/1
Jasprit Bumrah delivers a tight over, allowing just three singles and no boundaries. Brian Bennett survives a sharp appeal after being beaten by a short ball, while Dion Myers struggles to find momentum.
Zimbabwe crawl to 51/1, with India applying steady pressure through disciplined bowling.
End of Over 7: Zimbabwe 48/1
Axar Patel strikes immediately after the powerplay! Tadiwanashe Marumani falls for 20, caught by Ishan Kishan at covers after failing to keep his drive down. Axar keeps things tight thereafter, conceding just a handful of runs, with a leg bye and a wide added to the total.
Zimbabwe moves to 48/1, with India firmly back in control.
End of Over 6: Zimbabwe 44/0
Tadiwanashe Marumani takes on Varun Chakaravarthy straight away, launching a stunning reverse sweep for six over point. Despite a couple of dot balls, Zimbabwe pick up useful runs with twos and singles to close the powerplay strongly at 44/0.
End of Over 5: Zimbabwe 33/0
Brian Bennett takes on Jasprit Bumrah with confidence, smashing two boundaries – one a crisp pull to square leg and another lofted over mid-off. Bumrah responds with sharp yorkers and tight lines, but Zimbabwe collect 8 runs from the over to move to 33/0.
End of Over 4: Zimbabwe 25/0
Hardik Pandya keeps things tight despite a couple of twos from Brian Bennett. Zimbabwe rotate the strike steadily but struggle to find the boundary this over. India maintain control as Zimbabwe move to 25/0 at the end of four overs.
End of Over 2: Zimbabwe 10/0
Hardik Pandya starts with a mix of disciplined lengths, but Tadiwanashe Marumani finds the first boundary of the innings in spectacular fashion, a top-edged six over the keeper! India’s bowlers pick up 6 runs from the over, keeping Zimbabwe at 10/0.
End of Over 3: Zimbabwe 19/0
Zimbabwe look to counterattack in the powerplay. Marumani picks up a couple through the covers, while Brian Bennett finishes the over in style – charging down the track to loft Arshdeep Singh over mid-off for a boundary. A wide adds to India’s woes as Zimbabwe move to 19/0 after three overs.
End of Over 2: Zimbabwe 10/0
Hardik Pandya starts with a mix of disciplined lengths, but Tadiwanashe Marumani finds the first boundary of the innings in spectacular fashion, a top-edged six over the keeper! India’s bowlers pick up 6 runs from the over, keeping Zimbabwe at 10/0.
End of Over 1: Zimbabwe 4/0
Arshdeep Singh gets India off to a steady start. Brian Bennett opens with a mix of defensive pushes and aggressive strokes, picking up 4 runs in the over. Marumani adds a single, keeping Zimbabwe moving cautiously in the powerplay.
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End of Innings: India post 256/4 - Second Highest Total of T20 World Cup
Hardik Pandya finishes in style! He smashes the final delivery over deep backward square leg for a six, bringing up a well-earned 50.
India posted a massive 256/4, overtaking West Indies’ record for the second-highest T20 World Cup total. Tilak Varma and Hardik’s firepower set a daunting target for Zimbabwe.
End of Innings: India post 256/4 - Second Highest Total of T20 World Cup
Hardik Pandya finishes in style! He smashes the final delivery over deep backward square leg for a six, bringing up a well-earned 50.
India posted a massive 256/4, overtaking West Indies’ record for the second-highest T20 World Cup total. Tilak Varma and Hardik’s firepower set a daunting target for Zimbabwe.
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End of Over 19: 241/4
Tilak Varma is in unstoppable form! He hammers two huge sixes in the over, including a massive loft over long-on and a slog straight down the ground. Hardik Pandya keeps the momentum alive with a classy boundary and quick singles. India races to 241 with just one over to go.
End of Over 18: 220/4
Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma keep the fireworks going! Pandya smashes a towering six over mid-wicket, while Tilak responds with a classy loft over long-on and a neat boundary through point. Singles keep the strike rotating as India powers past 220.
End of Over 17: 201/4
Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma continue to dominate, bringing up the 200-run mark. Pandya edges one for four and rotates strike with singles and twos, while Tilak hits a massive six and a boundary, keeping the momentum firmly with India.
End of Over 16: 187/4
Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma continue to build the innings with smart and aggressive stroke play. Tilak hits a fine scoop over fine leg for a boundary, while both batsmen rotate the strike consistently with singles and twos.
End of Over 15: 176/4
WICKET! Surya Kumar Yadav departs after a quickfire 2-run and 6-run cameo, leaving Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma to steady the innings. Tilak immediately gets off the mark with a boundary through Deep Backward Point, while Hardik continues his aggressive stroke play.
End of Over 15: 176/4
WICKET! Surya Kumar Yadav departs after a quickfire 2-run and 6-run cameo, leaving Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma to steady the innings. Tilak immediately gets off the mark with a boundary through Deep Backward Point, while Hardik continues his aggressive stroke play.
End of Over 15: 172/3
Surya Kumar Yadav unleashes a flurry of boundaries, including a towering six, while Hardik Pandya keeps the strike rotating with smart singles and a quick two. The duo continues to dominate the Zimbabwe attack with aggressive strokeplay.
End of Over 14: 161/3
Hardik Pandya lights up the middle overs with a massive six, while he and SKY rotate the strike smartly, keeping the scoreboard ticking. Singles and clever placement dominate the over, with one extra wide added to the tally.
End of Over 13: 151/3
Surya Kumar Yadav turns on the style with a six over long-off and a classy upper cut for four, keeping the momentum alive. Abhishek Sharma ends his entertaining innings with a big shot gone wrong, caught at long-on, but not before leaving his mark with some stylish boundaries. India is now 151/3.
End of Over 13: 151/3
Surya Kumar Yadav turns on the style with a six over long-off and a classy upper cut for four, keeping the momentum alive. Abhishek Sharma ends his entertaining innings with a big shot gone wrong, caught at long-on, but not before leaving his mark with some stylish boundaries. India is now 151/3.
End of Over 12: 134/2
Surya Kumar Yadav continues to anchor the innings with smart singles and a boundary through deep backward square leg, while Abhishek Sharma rotates the strike effectively. Both batters keep India ticking along, adding 12 runs this over as the partnership grows steadily.
End of Over 11: 125/2
Abhishek Sharma reaches a much-needed fifty with a smart single, continuing his solid innings. Surya Kumar Yadav joins the scoring with a four and a sweep off consecutive balls. However, India suffers a blow as Ishan Kishan departs after a cut shot is well taken at short third man by Richard Ngarava. Sharma and Yadav now look to rebuild the innings.
End of Over 10: 109/1
Sharma continues his aggressive show, smashing a towering six over long-on while rotating the strike with singles. Kishan complements him well, finding gaps with clever singles and a reverse sweep. India moves past the 100-run mark with the duo maintaining a strong partnership.
End of Over 9: 99/1
Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma keep the scoreboard ticking. Kishan opens with a classy boundary over mid-wicket, followed by singles for both batters. Sharma rotates the strike smartly with a couple of twos and singles. The partnership continues to build momentum as India approaches the 100-run mark.
End of Over 8: India 90/1
Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma continue their steady approach, rotating the strike effectively. The over yields 6 singles, keeping the scoreboard ticking at a steady pace. India reach 90/1 after 8 overs, with the top order looking to build a strong platform for the middle overs.
End of Over 5: India 63/1
Abhishek Sharma takes charge, hitting a six and a boundary off Brad Evans, while Ishan Kishan added a single and a two. Extras, including a wide, add to India’s total. India scores 14 runs in the over, moving to 63/1 after 5 overs.
End of Over 7: India 84/1
Both Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma keep the scoreboard ticking with smart singles. The over goes for 4 runs, and India reach 84/1 after 7 overs, looking to build a solid platform for the middle overs.
End of Over 6: India 80/1
Ishan Kishan takes charge early in the over, hitting two boundaries and running a couple of singles, keeping the scoreboard ticking. The over ends in style as Abhishek Sharma smashes a huge six over long on. India scores 17 runs in the over, moving to 80/1 after 6 overs.
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End of Over 6: India 80/1
Ishan Kishan takes charge early in the over, hitting two boundaries and running a couple of singles, keeping the scoreboard ticking. The over ends in style as Abhishek Sharma smashes a huge six over long on. India scores 17 runs in the over, moving to 80/1 after 6 overs.
End of Over 5: India 63/1
Abhishek Sharma takes charge, hitting a six and a boundary off Brad Evans, while Ishan Kishan added a single and a two. Extras, including a wide, add to India’s total. India scores 14 runs in the over, moving to 63/1 after 5 overs.
End of Over 4: India 49/1
WICKET! Blessing Muzarabani strikes early as Sanju Samson falls, caught by Ryan Burl at mid-wicket. Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma rotate the strike with singles, keeping the scoreboard ticking. India reach 49/1 after 4 overs.
End of Over 3: India 46/0
Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson continue the aggressive start against Tinotenda Maposa. Sharma hits a massive six over long-on and a boundary through the line, while Samson adds a crisp cut for four and a quick single. A few extras, including wides and no-balls, boost India’s total. India score 23 runs in the over, reaching 46/0 after 3 overs.
End of Over 2: India 23/0
Sanju Samson continues his aggressive start against Blessing Muzarabani, hitting a massive six over long-on and adding a couple of singles. Abhishek Sharma also gets off the mark with a single. India score 10 runs in the over, moving to 23/0 after 2 overs.
End of Over 1: India 13/0
Sanju Samson gets India off to a lively start against Richard Ngarava. He singles on the first ball, followed by a 2-run pull shot. A 4-leg bye adds to the extras, and Samson finishes the over with a towering six over the ropes. India scores 13 runs without loss in the first over.
End of Over 1: India 13/0
Sanju Samson gets India off to a lively start against Richard Ngarava. He singles on the first ball, followed by a 2-run pull shot. A 4-leg bye adds to the extras, and Samson finishes the over with a towering six over the ropes. India scores 13 runs without loss in the first over.
Zimbabwe (Playing XI):
Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza (c), Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava
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Toss Update: Zimbabwe won the toss and has opted to bowl first, putting India in to bat.
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