T20 World Cup 2026: India defeat Zimbabwe by 72 runs

Chennai (Web Desk):  In the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, India secured a crucial 72-run victory over Zimbabwe in a high-scoring encounter.

Chasing a massive target of 257 runs, Zimbabwe managed to score 184 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs.

After winning the toss in Chennai, Zimbabwe elected to field first, inviting India to bat.

Indian batters dominated the Zimbabwean bowling attack, smashing boundaries and sixes to register the highest total of the ongoing tournament and the second-highest in T20 World Cup history.

India piled up 256 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in 20 overs, hitting a total of 17 sixes during the innings.

For India, Sanju Samson scored 24, Abhishek Sharma made 55, Ishan Kishan contributed 38, and captain Suryakumar Yadav added 33 runs.

In the death overs, Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma launched a brutal assault on the bowlers. Pandya remained unbeaten on 53 off 23 balls, while Tilak Varma scored an unbeaten 44 off just 16 deliveries.

India’s total of 256 runs is the second-highest in T20 World Cup history. The highest remains Sri Lanka’s 260 against Kenya in the 2007 edition. It is also the highest total of the 2026 tournament so far. Earlier, West Indies had scored 254 against Zimbabwe. Additionally, this marks India’s highest-ever total against any team in T20 World Cup history.

In response to the daunting target, Zimbabwe posted 184 for 6 in 20 overs.

Opener Brian Bennett played a remarkable unbeaten knock of 97 runs, while captain Sikandar Raza contributed 31.

For India, Arshdeep Singh was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets.

Following the defeat, Zimbabwe have been eliminated from the semi-final race. From Super 8 Group 1, South Africa have already qualified for the semi-finals.

The second semi-finalist from the group will be decided after Sunday’s match between India and West Indies. The winner of that match will secure a place in the next stage.