New Delhi: Record-breaking India hammered Zimbabwe by 72 runs in their must-win T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight clash on Thursday to take one step closer
to the semifinals. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, were knocked out of the marquee event as they remained far from reaching India’s highest total ever in T20 World Cups and the highest in this edition.
This was also the second highest total scored ever in the history of T20 World Cups after Sri Lanka’s 260/6 against Kenya in the 2007 edition. India also scripted a record as the side hammered as many as 17 sixes in the match, taking their overall tally to 63 maximums in this edition.
SA provide aid to India
South Africa made India’s life easy with a big win against West Indies earlier in day which has now almost ruled out the Net Run Rate factor in India’s road to the semis. India now need to beat the West Indies in what will be a virtual quarterfinal to secure a spot in the last-4.
Meanwhile, Indian batters shrugged off all the batting worries after posting a record total of 256/4 on the board after being asked to bat first. Though the Indian bowlers didn’t prove to be exquisite but managed to stop Zimbabwe at 184/6 notching up a great win.
Brian Bennett proved to be the show stopper for Zimbabwe side with 97 unbeaten runs while skipper Sikandar Raza contributed 21-ball 31. For India, Arshdeep Singh shined with the ball taking three wickets while Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel claimed one wicket apiece.
India batters sizzle in Chepauk
Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma roared back to form with a blistering half-century off 26 balls, finally departing for 55 runs off 30. Sanju Samson showcased glimpses with 24 runs but failed to convert it into a big score. Skipper Suraykumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan joined the party with blistering knocks of 38 and 33 after the opening pair departed.
In the final overs of the first innings, Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma played sizzling knocks to push India’s score beyond the 250-run mark. While Hardik remained unbeaten on 50 off just 23 balls, Tilak excelled with 16-ball 44-run knock finding his lost touch finally.
