After a defeat against South Africa in the first Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup 2026, India made a roaring comeback in the tournament with a comprehensive win by 72 runs against Zimbabwe in the second fixture. The Men in Blue will now face West Indies in a virtual quarter-final on in Kolkata.
India registered a record-tumbling total of 256/4 in 20 overs after Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya hammered individual fifties while Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma made valuable contributions.
Later, India restricted Zimbabwe to 184/6 runs and clinch a win. Arshdeep Singh was the pick of the bowlers for India as he returned with figures of 3/24 in 4 overs while Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube scalped one wicket apiece. Zimbabwe opener Brian Bennett who has been in brilliant form continued his purple patch and struck 97*. His efforts though went in vain as Zimbabwe lost the match and bowed out of the tournament.
Double delight for the speedster 🌟
Arshdeep Singh strikes twice in an over to keep #TeamIndia on top!
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/p4GxtxGkBf#T20WorldCup | #MenInBlue | #INDvZIM | @arshdeepsinghh pic.twitter.com/8TEEspt9IB
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 26, 2026
How South Africa’s Win Helped India?
South Africa defeated West Indies by 9 wickets after chasing down 177 in just 16.1 overs. Their win gave India a genuine chance in the competition as they needed to win both their remaining matches to qualify for the semifinals. India defeated Zimbabwe convincingly and got off the mark in the Super 8 stage. West Indies also have two points in two matches.
Now, the two sides will lock horns on Sunday and the winner will etch two points taking the tally to four points and will register a place in the semis.
Another one for #TeamIndia 💪
Varun Chakaravarthy gets his first wicket of the night! 👊
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/p4GxtxFMLH#T20WorldCup | #MenInBlue | #INDvZIM | @chakaravarthy29 pic.twitter.com/wB6CuPdtaD
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 26, 2026
Zimbabwe lost both their matches and have been eliminated. They will take on South Africa in New Delhi on Sunday in their final Super 8 fixture.
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