India beat Zimbabwe by 72 runs in their Super 8 Group 1 clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on Thursday. This win keeps their semi-final hopes firmly alive. The toss-winner, Zimbabwe, sent India in to bat. India then put on a massive performance with the bat. After losing to South Africa, the defending champions played aggressively. They registered the highest total of this edition: 256/4. This is the second-highest in T20 World Cup history. They fell just four runs short of Sri Lanka's record of 260 set in 2007.
India Demolish Zimbabwe in Chennai Thriller
Abhishek Sharma scored his maiden T20 World Cup half-century by hitting 55 off 30 balls. Hardik Pandya struck an explosive 50 off 23 balls to earn the Player of the Match award. Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett scored a brave 97 not out. This is the highest individual score by a Zimbabwean batter in T20 World Cup history. Even so, India held their opponents to 184/6 to complete a comfortable 72-run victory. Left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh claimed 3/24 to lead India's bowling effort. The win kept India’s tournament campaign alive. It also set the stage for an all-important Sunday showdown in Kolkata.
Who Qualifies If Rain Ruins the Kolkata Decider?
Following India's win over Zimbabwe, both India and the West Indies have two points each after two Super 8 Group 1 games. The tournament officially eliminated Zimbabwe. India will progress straight to the semi-finals if they beat West Indies on Sunday at Eden Gardens. Because both teams are now tied on two points, net run rate does not come into the equation unless the game is washed out.
Rain is the real deal-breaker here. The T20 World Cup 2026 provides no reserve day for Super 8 clashes. A washout means both teams share a point each. This leaves both India and the West Indies on three points. At that point, net run rate becomes the sole decider. West Indies currently hold a net run rate of +1.791, whereas India sit at -0.100. This means the West Indies would advance to the semi-finals if officials abandon the match.
Meteorologists consider a washout unlikely. Kolkata rarely sees rain in March. However, cricket offers no guarantees. India carry a significant burden going into Sunday. They simply must win to stay alive. The skies over Eden Gardens could prove as dangerous as any opposition attack.
