Our Bureau
Chennai
India kept their T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final dreams alive with a dominant 72-run win over Zimbabwe in a crucial Super 8 clash at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Thursday. Batting first, India smashed a record 256/4, their highest total in T20 World Cup history, thanks to fiery half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya.
Abhishek Sharma silenced his critics with a blazing 50 off 26 balls, hammering sixes against Tino Maposa and others after Sanju Samson fell early for 24 off 15. Ishan Kishan added 38, while Suryakumar made a quick 33 before Tilak Varma (44* off 16) and Pandya (50* off 23) unleashed a late storm, pushing the score sky-high. Zimbabwe’s bowlers leaked 80/1 in the powerplay and dropped catches, hurting their chase.
Defending the massive total, India’s bowlers struck early. Arshdeep Singh grabbed two quick wickets, removing Sikandar Raza (31) and Ryan Burl (0), as Zimbabwe slumped. Brian Bennett fought hard with an unbeaten knock nearing a ton, but Zimbabwe folded at 184/6 in 20 overs. The win gives India two points, level with West Indies, setting up a virtual quarter-final against them on Sunday.
Suryakumar confirmed Sanju Samson as keeper, batting at the top to counter spin, with Ishan focusing on middle-order firepower. Fans roared for the home side in Chennai, where India stays unbeaten in T20Is. This victory boosts morale after a loss to South Africa, keeping title hopes burning bright.
