Stats: India register second-highest total in T20 World Cup history

Published - 26 Feb 2026, 20:50 IST | Updated - 26 Feb 2026, 21:17 IST

India were on fire against Zimbabwe in their Super Eights clash of the T20 World Cup at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, making a staggering entry into an elite list. Batting first, the Indian team posted 256/4 on the board, which is now the second-highest total in the history of the T20 World Cups. They have now eclipsed the West Indies, who held the record for less than three nights, having recorded 254 against the same opposition at the Wankhede Stadium on February 23.

The huge total was orchestrated by a thunderous start by openers Sanju Samson (24 off 15) and Abhishek Sharma (55 off 30). Ishan Kishan and skipper Suryakumar Yadav simply followed suit with their stay at the crease. But the real boost to the engine was provided by the late blows from Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma. Abhishek, who returned to form after a long wait, was happy to have contributed after the dressing room showed immense backing to him. He said that the Indian team came with a clear intent of expressing themselves.

"It's always great to contribute to the team. I was waiting for this moment for a long time, and I am very happy. [Taking his time] It wasn't intentional. I just wanted to spend some time on the pitch. I haven't taken 10-12 balls so far. Special mention to the team. They just backed me; they were just reminding me that your time is not far. The way they have finished the innings, I would say the Indian team is back. That is what we wanted. As a batting unit, we just wanted to express ourselves," Abhishek said after the first innings.

IND's semi-final qualification chances after SA beat WI?

Notably, the Men in Blue are playing a must-win encounter, and a victory in this game will keep their chances for semi-final qualification wide open. They will be hoping to produce a memorable win after such a thunderous performance with the bat.