Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma’s late onslaught propelled India to a historic 72-run triumph against Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 match at Chennai’s Chepauk on Thursday. The victory confirmed South Africa’s semifinal berth and reignited India’s knockout aspirations.
In Group 1, South Africa dominates with +2.890 NRR, West Indies trails at +1.791, India at -0.100, and Zimbabwe eliminated.
Forced to bat first, India’s innings burst into life with Samson (24 off 15) and Sharma (55 off 30) adding 48 early. Kishan (38 off 24) and Yadav (33) built on it, reaching 172/4 in 14.5 overs. Then came the blitz: Pandya’s unbeaten 50 (4×6, 2×4) and Varma’s 44* (4×6, 3×4) in an 84-run partnership lifted India to a staggering 256/4.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers toiled without reward beyond single wickets from Ngarewa, Muzarabani, Maposa, and Raza.
Chasing 257, Zimbabwe’s Bennett waged a lone battle, unbeaten on 97 (6×6, 8×4) off 59 balls. Brief alliances with Marumani (20), Myers (6), and Raza (31) couldn’t sustain momentum, ending at 184/6. Arshdeep (3/24) led the attack, supported by others.
This masterclass in T20 cricket highlights India’s resilience, setting up an intriguing Super 8 finale.