India kept their semi-final hopes alive in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after a commanding 72-run victory over Zimbabwe in the Super Eight stage on Thursday, eliminating Zimbabwe from the tournament.
In the Group One clash played in Chennai, India, posted a tournament-high 256 for four after being sent in to bat. It was the highest total of the 2026 World Cup. Zimbabwe, chasing a daunting 257, managed 184 for six in their allotted 20 overs.
India’s batters set the tone from the outset with an aggressive approach. Sanju Samson scored 24, Abhishek Sharma struck 55, Ishan Kishan made 38, while captain Suryakumar Yadav added 33.
The late onslaught came from Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma, who dismantled the Zimbabwe bowling in the final overs.
Pandya smashed an unbeaten 50 off 23 balls, while Tilak Varma remained not out on 44 from just 16 deliveries.
India maintained a run rate of 12.80 and plundered 80 runs in the last five overs without losing a wicket, hitting 17 sixes in the innings.
For Zimbabwe, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani and Tendai Maposa picked up one wicket each, but the bowling attack struggled to contain India’s power hitting.
In reply, Zimbabwe’s openers added 44 runs, but the chase quickly faltered under scoreboard pressure.
Opener Brian Bennett stood firm with a superb unbeaten 97, showing composure against the Indian attack.
Captain Sikandar Raza scored 31, while Madhevere contributed 20. The rest of the batting line-up failed to make an impact.
India’s bowlers kept control throughout. Arshdeep Singh claimed three wickets, while Shivam Dube, Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy took one apiece.
Hardik Pandya was named player of the match for his explosive all-round performance.
With the win, India stayed in contention for a semi-final place, while Zimbabwe were knocked out of the mega event. From Group One, South Africa have already qualified for the semi-finals.
The second semi-finalist from the group will be decided after Sunday’s clash between West Indies and India, with the winner progressing to the last four.
Earlier, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza won the toss in the 48th match of the tournament and elected to field first.
