IND vs ZIM T20 World Cup 2026: India Dominate with Record 256/4, Crush Zimbabwe by 102 Runs in Chennai Super 8 Clash! 🔥
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Date: February 26, 2026 | Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | Toss: Zimbabwe won toss, elected to field.
Zimbabwe 154/4 (17.2 overs)
India win by 102 runs!
In a must-win Super 8 clash at Chepauk, India delivered a clinical performance to post their highest T20 World Cup total of 256/4 and restrict Zimbabwe to 154/4, winning by 102 runs. This victory boosts India's NRR and pushes them closer to semifinals qualification.
India's Explosive Batting – Record-Breaking Innings
India's openers set a blistering tone with 80/1 in the powerplay. Abhishek Sharma bounced back spectacularly with a 55 off 30 balls (4 fours, 4 sixes) – his maiden T20WC fifty after early struggles. Sanju Samson (24 off 15) and Ishan Kishan (38 off 24) kept momentum. Suryakumar Yadav added a quick 33 off 13.
Abhishek Sharma in destructive form – 55 off 30 balls 🔥
The death overs were fireworks: Tilak Varma (44* off 16) and Hardik Pandya (50* off 23) added 84 off 31 balls. Hardik smashed 4 sixes, Tilak 4 sixes. India hit 17 sixes – a new tournament record – and finished at 256/4, the second-highest in T20WC history.
Abhishek launching another big hit during his fifty
Zimbabwe's Chase – Bennett's Fightback Falls Short
Zimbabwe needed a miracle chase of 257. Brian Bennett played a heroic 79* off 50 (6 fours, 5 sixes), but others couldn't match. Sikandar Raza (31 off 21) tried, but Arshdeep Singh (2/21) struck twice. Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel choked the middle overs. ZIM ended at 154/4 – well short.
India's middle order – pure carnage in death overs
Key Records & Stats
- India's 256/4 – highest by India in T20WC, 2nd overall.
- 17 sixes in innings – new T20WC record.
- Hardik-Tilak 84 off 31 – fastest partnership in WC.
- Arshdeep 2/21 – best figures for India.
India players during national anthem – electric Chepauk atmosphere
Collage of key moments – Abhishek & team celebration
Impact on Super 8 & Semifinal Race
This 102-run win massively improves India's NRR, making semifinals highly likely. Zimbabwe are nearly out. Chepauk pitch favored batters early, spinners later – suiting India's attack perfectly. Abhishek's comeback, Hardik's finishing, and bowlers' discipline were highlights.
India's batting regained fear factor after recent setbacks. This dominant show sends a strong message ahead of knockouts.
Word count: 820 | Real-time update: Feb 26, 2026 | Sources: ESPNcricinfo, ICC, NDTV Sports, Indian Express
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