Fans erupt as India overpower Zimbabwe to keep T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal hopes alive despite Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 97

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In a must-win T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, India surged back into semifinal contention with a dominant 72-run victory over Zimbabwe on February 26, 2026. After a stinging defeat to South Africa, India’s batting unit found its rhythm to post a record-shattering 256/4, the highest total in T20 World Cup history. Zimbabwe’s chase, despite a valiant lone-warrior effort from Brian Bennett, never truly threatened the target as India’s bowlers executed their plans with clinical precision.

This victory not only provides a massive boost to India’s confidence but also significantly repairs their Net Run Rate ahead of the ‘quarterfinal’ showdown with the West Indies. The result officially keeps India’s dream of a home-soil title alive while ending Zimbabwe’s spirited run in the tournament.

India’s innings was a relentless display of power-hitting that saw them rewrite the record books by posting the second-highest total in all T20 World Cup history. The decision to bring Sanju Samson back into the XI to open paid immediate dividends, as he struck two sixes in the opening over to set a frantic pace before falling for 24. Abhishek Sharma then took center stage, silencing his critics with a blistering 30-ball 55 that featured four massive sixes and laid a solid platform at 80/1 in the Powerplay.

The momentum never dipped, as Ishan Kishan (38) and Suryakumar Yadav (33) manipulated the fields with ease, but the true devastation occurred in the final five overs. Hardik Pandya smashed an unbeaten 50 off just 23 deliveries, reaching his milestone with a final-ball six, while Tilak Varma provided an equally explosive 44* off 16 balls. Together, they plundered 80 runs in the death overs, leaving the Zimbabwean bowlers including Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani looking helpless against the onslaught. This total of 256 effectively batted Zimbabwe out of the game before the second innings began, setting a mountainous required run rate of 12.85.

Also READ: Team India shatter multiple batting records vs Zimbabwe in T20 World Cup 2026 clash

Zimbabwe’s pursuit of the mammoth target was defined by the extraordinary solo performance of Bennett, who nearly pulled off a miracle century in a losing cause. Bennett was sensational, smashing 97 off 59 balls and taking a particular liking to Shivam Dube, whom he hit for 26 runs in a single over. However, he found no support from the other end as Arshdeep Singh delivered a masterclass in T20 bowling, finishing with figures of 3/24.

Arshdeep’s double-strike in the 17th over to remove Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl effectively ended any mathematical hope Zimbabwe had of a comeback. Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy provided the necessary middle-order squeeze, ensuring the run rate remained out of reach despite Bennett’s aggressive stroke-play.

Jasprit Bumrah also played his part, stifling the openers early on with a series of toe-crushing yorkers that limited Zimbabwe to 44/0 in the Powerplay. Zimbabwe finished their 20 overs at 184/6, a spirited effort but one that fell 72 runs short of India’s record total. The win ensures that India’s final Super 8 match against the West Indies will be a winner-takes-all encounter for a spot in the semifinals.

Great win by Team India, but Zimbabwe will take plenty of positives back home. Brian Bennett being the 2nd highest scorer in the World Cup is the biggest one.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 26, 2026

Normal service, restored. That’s more like it. Good to see all the batters showing form. Set up nicely for the virtual QF vs WI! #INDvZIM #T20WC2026

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) February 26, 2026

Abhi-shaking things up once again. #T20WorldCup

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) February 26, 2026

Tougher bowling line ups await – But the team just needed an outing like this to get that confidence boost. Especially to the top order and Tilak in that new role. The India leg hasn’t been the same fairytale for Zimbabwe with the ball – The pitches and the size of the…

— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) February 26, 2026

A powerful performance by India 's batters. Of all the innings, India will derive most comfort from the return to runs for Abhishek and Tilak who showed his versatility in the middle order.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 26, 2026

India are back in the race for the #ICCMensT20WorldCup

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 26, 2026

Sabash #TeamIndia you nailed it guys as expected, all box ticked almost.Bowling can be more work on.#INDvsZIM #T20WorldCup26

— Munaf Patel (@munafpa99881129) February 26, 2026

Arshdeep Singh is King

— Prasanna (@prasannalara) February 26, 2026

Zimbabwe are human but Brian Bennett isn't. What a player they have. We hope he gets an IPL deal. If not, the Íslensk Premier League (ÍPL) awaits in May.

— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) February 26, 2026

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: HARDIK PANDYA 🥇🔥

Pressure situation, perfect response 💪 🇮🇳⚡#T20WorldCup2026 #hardikpandya #india #T20WorldCup #Cricket

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 26, 2026

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