Abhishek, Hardik power clinical Indian win over Zimbabwe: T20 World Cup S8 No 48 (Chennai)

Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya smashed rapid fifties as India produced one of the batting performances of the tournament, piling up a massive total in Chennai with sustained aggression through all phases.

After a rapid powerplay, the middle order maintained tempo rather than consolidating, ensuring there was no slowdown — a key difference between a strong total and a match-defining one. The depth in India’s batting allowed them to keep attacking even after wickets fell.

Zimbabwe responded with real intent, highlighted by Brian Bennett’s superb 97, but the required rate was always daunting. Arshdeep Singh’s control at the death and disciplined spin through the middle overs prevented any late miracle.

For India, it was a statement win built on batting dominance; for Zimbabwe, a brave chase overshadowed by the scale of the target.

India 256 for 4 (Abhishek 55, Hardik 50) beat Zimbabwe 184 for 6 (Bennett 97*, Arshdeep 3-24) by 72 runs

Feb 2026