India Vs Zimbabwe: Bennett’s 97* in Vain as India Post 256 and Surge Into Super 8 Contention

In a high-scoring Super 8 encounter that kept the defending champions alive, india vs zimbabwe saw India beat Zimbabwe by 72 runs in Chennai as India amassed 256-4, the second-highest total in T20 World Cup history. The result eliminates Zimbabwe and keeps India’s semi-final hopes firmly intact.

India Vs Zimbabwe: the big-picture result and what it means

Defending champions India recorded a 72-run victory over Zimbabwe, eliminating their opponents and restoring momentum in the competition. India’s 256-4 is recorded as the second-highest total in T20 World Cup history, behind Sri Lanka’s 260-6 against Kenya in 2007. The win means India remain in contention for a semi-final spot and know that victory over West Indies in Kolkata on Sunday will secure progression to the last four.

How India got to 256-4 — Sharma, Hardik and Tilak set the tone

Abhishek Sharma top-scored for India with a rapid 55 off 30 balls, overcoming earlier tournament struggles that had included three ducks in his previous four innings. Sharma’s 26-ball half-century and aggressive powerplay approach — India were 80-1 at the end of the powerplay with three fours and three sixes from Sharma — helped set the platform.

Hardik Pandya completed a 23-ball half-century, finishing on 50* with a six off the final delivery of the innings, and Tilak Varma provided late fireworks with an unbeaten 44 off 16. Sanju Samson made an early impact with a quick 24 off 15, striking the second ball of the match for six, before Sharma took control.

Zimbabwe chase, Bennett’s 97* and why it fell short

Zimbabwe finished 184-6 in their 20 overs, with Brian Bennett producing a standout innings of 97 not out from 59 balls — his third unbeaten half-century of the tournament. Bennett’s fifty had come off 34 balls; he struck eight fours and six sixes but received little sustained support. Sikandar Raza contributed 31 off 21 and was the next highest scorer for Zimbabwe.

Bowling figures included Singh’s 3-24, which helped restrict Zimbabwe after Britain Bennett’s near-century. Despite Bennett’s display, Zimbabwe fell well short of the required total and were eliminated from the tournament by the margin of 72 runs.

Player reactions, milestones and areas of concern

Hardik Pandya, named Player of the Match, reflected on his innings and his approach with the ball, saying he reassessed during his knock, timed the ball better and remains satisfied with his contribution. He also spoke positively about bowling with the new ball and his ability to bowl inswing deliveries.

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza urged his side to find positives: he praised their composure in batting compared with a previous high-scoring match, but said defensive plans and fielding execution needed improvement. Raza’s 31 in the contest also marked a personal milestone — he became Zimbabwe’s first batter to reach 3, 000 runs in T20 internationals.

Fielding and catching were highlighted as disappointing aspects for Zimbabwe in the last two games, areas Raza said would need attention if the team is to improve.

Context in the tournament and what’s next

Zimbabwe had gone unbeaten in the initial group stage but conceded more than 250 runs for the second consecutive Super 8 match. South Africa’s 100% run at the tournament continued with a nine-wicket win over West Indies; South Africa join England in qualifying for the semi-finals with a game to spare. India sit level on two points with West Indies and know a win in Kolkata on Sunday would seal their place in the last four.

Before this game, these two sides had met only once at a T20 World Cup: in 2022 when Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten 25-ball 61 led India to a 71-run victory. The match coverage was prepared by Millie Sian, Elizabeth Botcherby and Maisie Gallen, and readers are encouraged to take a read of Elizabeth Botcherby’s report for any missed action. Fans were also reminded to join coverage of England’s clash with New Zealand tomorrow and to consult Matthew Henry’s preview; live-text commentary is scheduled from 13: 00 GMT.

Match notes and small prints

• India 256-4 (20 overs): Sharma 55; Hardik 50*; Tilak Varma 44*
• Zimbabwe 184-6 (20 overs): Bennett 97*; Sikandar Raza 31; Singh 3-24
• Second-highest T20 World Cup total by India; only Sri Lanka’s 260-6 (versus Kenya in 2007) is higher
• India’s win margin: 72 runs; match played in Chennai
• Notable moment: India punish Zimbabwe’s Maposa in an 'awkward' over

Details above are drawn from match coverage and reflect the match events and reactions; schedule and standings remain subject to ongoing tournament results.