India have all but booked their place in the semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 after dismantling Zimbabwe by 72 runs in their Super 8 fixture at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Thursday, February 26.
The Men in Blue, who posted a commanding 256/4 in their 20 overs, bowled Zimbabwe out for 184 to seal the victory and simultaneously knock the African side out of the tournament. India now need just one more win against the West Indies on Sunday at Eden Gardens to advance to the knockout stage.
Sunday’s clash becomes a virtual quarterfinal
The final Super 8 encounter between India and the West Indies will carry massive stakes. The winner will progress to the semi-finals, while the loser faces elimination. There is an additional incentive on offer: should South Africa lose to Zimbabwe in their concurrent fixture, the winner of the India-West Indies match could also top their group.
Abhishek and Pandya power India to 256
India’s innings was built on several important contributions throughout the batting order. Openers Sanju Samson (24 off 15) and Abhishek Sharma (55 off 30) provided a solid platform in the Powerplay, though Samson was dismissed without fully capitalising on the opportunity. Abhishek’s half-century, however, was a welcome return to form after a lean run in the tournament.
The middle order kept the momentum going, with Ishan Kishan (38 off 24) and captain Suryakumar Yadav (33 off 13) adding to the total. But it was the firepower in the closing overs that proved decisive. Tilak Varma, who has been under scrutiny for his performances, remained unbeaten on 44, while Hardik Pandya blazed his way to 50 off just 23 balls. The pair’s explosive hitting in the death overs propelled India to 256/4 a total that ultimately proved well beyond Zimbabwe’s reach. Pandya was named Player of the Match for his match-winning contribution.
Bennett fights hard but Zimbabwe fall short
Chasing 257, Zimbabwe put up a spirited batting display without ever truly threatening the target. Opening batter Brian Bennett was the standout performer, scoring a fine 97 that included 8 fours and 6 sixes. Despite his impressive knock, the innings lacked the necessary partnerships and support from the other end. Captain Sikandar Raza contributed 31 off 21 deliveries, while Tadiwanashe Marumani added 20 runs, but no other batter made a meaningful impact. Zimbabwe were eventually bowled out 72 runs short, ending their campaign in the Super 8 stage. India’s date with the West Indies on Sunday at Eden Gardens will now determine who moves on to the semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
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