Hardik-Abhishek fifties power India to 256/4 vs Zimbabwe
February 26, 2026 09:04 pm
India have set a massive 257-run target for Zimbabwe in the Super 8, Group 1 match in Chennai. All Indian batters struck at 150+, first time in T20Is, to take India to 256/4 in 20 overs after they were sent to bat. Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson gave India a flying start before the latter fell for 24 off 15.
Abhishek smashed 55 off 30. Ishan Kishan (38 of 24) and Abhishek added 72 runs to post 80/1 in the powerplay. Suryakumar Yadav (33 off 13) also did not let the pace down. In the end, Tilak Varma (44 off 16) and Hardik Pandya (50 off 23) took India to the huge total.
Earlier, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza opted to bowl. India brought back Sanju Samson and Axar Patel, dropping Washington Sundar and Rinku Singh.
In Chennai, India must win against Zimbabwe in the Super 8, Group 1 clash. Any slip-up will eliminate them from the T20 World Cup semifinal race after a crushing loss to South Africa.
IND vs ZIM Playing XIs
India Playing XI
Sanju Samson (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
Zimbabwe Playing XI
Tadiwanashe Marumani (WK), Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza (C), Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava
Source: Inside Sport
--Agencies
