Cricket Kitchen

India’s Semi Final dream comes Live

February 26, 2026

In the Super Eight Group 1 match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, hosts India defeated Zimbabwe national cricket team by 72 runs. In the day-night encounter held on February 26 at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Zimbabwe chasing a formidable target of 257 runs set by India, were restricted to 184 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 20 overs.

After losing the toss and bat first, India posted a massive total of 256 runs for 4 wickets in 20 overs. Abhishek Sharma played an aggressive knock of 55 runs and Hardik Pandya remained not out on 50. Tilak Varma contributed an unbeaten 44 too while Ishan Kishan added 38, Suryakumar Yadav scored 33, and Sanju Samson chipped in with 24 runs. India’s innings was highlighted by 17 sixes and 17 fours.

For Zimbabwe, Richard Ngarava claimed two wickets, while Blessing Muzarabani, Tinotenda Maposa, and Sikandar Raza picked up one wicket each.

In Chasing, Zimbabwe made a promising start, but their middle order collapsed under pressure. Brian Bennett stood tall with an unbeaten 97 runs innings. Captain Sikandar Raza scored 31, Tony Munyonga added 11, and Tadiwanashe Marumani made 20 runs but could not achieved the target nearby.

To Restrict Zimabbbe batters, Arshdeep Singh took three wickets, while Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, and Shivam Dube grabbed one wicket each. Although Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya remained wicketless but they maintained tight pressure throughout their spells.

With this victory, India have registered their first win in the Super Eight stage. In the Group 1 points table, South Africa lead with 4 points from 2 matches, while West Indies and India are placed second and third respectively with 2 points each from 2 games. Zimbabwe remains at the bottom without a point from 2 matches. India’s hopes of reaching the semifinals remain alive.

India will face West Indies on March 1, winner of this battle will take a place in semi final.