India hit highest T20 World Cup 2026 total against Zimbabwe
Cricket
India post a commanding 257/4 against Zimbabwe in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight clash in Chennai.
CHENNAI (Dunya News) – India posted a colossal 257-run target for Zimbabwe in their crucial ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight fixture at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Thursday.
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza opted to field first, but the decision backfired as India’s batting line-up produced a dominating display, finishing 256 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs.
Opener Abhishek Sharma led the charge with a 55-run innings off 30 balls, hitting four sixes and as many fours, recovering from three ducks in earlier matches. Ishan Kishan contributed a quick 38 off 24 deliveries, including a six and four boundaries, before being dismissed by Raza in the 11th over.
Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma powered a late onslaught with an unbeaten 84-run fifth-wicket stand. Pandya smashed 50 off 23 balls with four sixes and two fours, while Varma scored 44 not out from 16 balls, hitting four sixes and three fours. Suryakumar Yadav added a fiery 33 off 13 deliveries, featuring three sixes and two fours.
Earlier, Sanju Samson provided a quick start with 24 runs from 15 balls, including two sixes and a four, before falling to Blessing Muzarabani.
Defending champions India finish with a total for the #T20WorldCup record books in Chennai
— ICC (@ICC) February 26, 2026
Watch the highlights of their innings against Zimbabwe ️ https://t.co/tcxZUjpC1X pic.twitter.com/spzNNo227Y
For Zimbabwe, Richard Ngarava, Tinotenda Maposa, Muzarabani, and captain Sikandar Raza took a wicket each, but the bowling unit struggled to contain India’s aggressive batting.
The imposing total has put Zimbabwe under immense pressure in their must-win Super Eight encounter, with the Chevrons now facing a daunting 257-run chase to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
Head-to-head context
India have dominated T20I encounters against Zimbabwe historically, winning 10 of their 13 matches. With both teams recovering from recent defeats – India against South Africa and Zimbabwe against West Indies – the Chennai clash has become pivotal for progression in Group 1.
