India Crush Zimbabwe by 72 Runs to Stay Alive in T20 World Cup 2026

India delivered a commanding performance to defeat Zimbabwe by 72 runs in a must-win Super Eight clash of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Thursday. Batting first, India piled up a record-breaking 256 for 4 — their highest total ever in T20 World Cup history and the highest overall score in the tournament’s history.

After a shaky start to the tournament, Abhishek Sharma roared back into form with a blistering 55 off just 30 balls, setting the tone at the top of the order. Hardik Pandya then provided the late fireworks, smashing an unbeaten 50 off 23 deliveries to propel India past the 250-mark. Tilak Varma played an explosive cameo, finishing unbeaten on 44 from only 14 balls. The pair stitched together a devastating 84-run partnership in just 31 deliveries.

In reply, Zimbabwe fought hard but managed only 184 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs, falling well short of the massive target. India’s bowlers maintained control despite the flat batting conditions.

The emphatic win significantly boosts India’s net run rate and keeps their semifinal hopes firmly intact in the tournament.