Ind Vs Zim: ind vs zim — India respond with 256/4 as Kumble warns cannot take Zimbabwe lightly
India’s Super 8 fixture against Zimbabwe — framed in coverage as ind vs zim — delivered a decisive reply after India’s opening Super 8 setback. Former India skipper Anil Kumble had warned the team against complacency ahead of the Chennai meeting on Thursday, urging an aggressive approach while stressing respect for Zimbabwe’s recent form.
India's batting onslaught
At Chepauk, India posted 256/4 in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight clash, the highest total of the edition and the second-highest in T20 World Cup history. Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya produced half-centuries: Sharma finished with 55 off 30 after bringing up a fifty in 26 balls, and Pandya reached 50 in 23 balls. India struck 17 sixes and 17 fours, accumulating 170 runs in boundaries, and passed 150 in the 13th over, 200 in the 17th, and 250 in the last over. Sanju Samson returned to the XI and opened with Sharma, belting the second ball of the innings for a six before falling in the fourth over. A late unbeaten fifth-wicket stand of 84 in 31 balls between Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma (44 not out) provided the final flourish, with Pandya hitting two sixes off the last two balls to reach his fifty and take India to the record figure.
Ind Vs Zim at Chepauk
The match followed India’s 76-run defeat to Aiden Markram’s South Africa in their opening Super 8 fixture, a loss that left India in a must-win position. After India posted 256/4, Zimbabwe were set 257 to win. Zimbabwe managed 184/6, with Brian Bennett producing a valiant 97 not out, but India completed a 72-run victory. The defeat spelled the end of the road for Zimbabwe’s run in this stage.
Powerplay threat from bowlers
Kumble had flagged Zimbabwe’s dangerous bowling in the Powerplay, pointing to the tall quicks Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans, who use bounce and movement to challenge batters. In the match, Zimbabwe made a steady start in the chase, reaching 44/0 in the powerplay before Axar Patel, on his return to the playing XI, removed opener Tadiwanashe Marumani with his second ball. India’s bowlers then chipped away while Zimbabwe’s fielding lapses did not help; the visiting side dropped at least two regulation catches during the innings.
Net Run Rate and standings
The loss to South Africa had left India needing wins over Zimbabwe and West Indies to stay in contention, while also requiring a significant improvement to their Net Run Rate of -3. 800. With South Africa already having booked a final four spot, India’s remaining Super Eights match against the West Indies on Sunday effectively becomes a knockout: the winner will progress in the tournament.
Kumble's warning and key quotes
Speaking ahead of the match, Kumble warned India not to underestimate Zimbabwe and urged them to back their natural aggressive brand. He highlighted Zimbabwe’s group-stage form, noting they had beaten Australia and chased down 179 against Sri Lanka on Sri Lankan soil. Kumble said: "India need to play their natural, aggressive brand of cricket against Zimbabwe. But Zimbabwe are going to be a tough opponent, and they must be respected. They have delivered some strong performances. They beat Australia. They chased down 179 against Sri Lanka on Sri Lankan soil. They have convincingly beaten Australia. Their top four batters have been in excellent form. Their tall fast bowlers, Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans, have been outstanding with the ball, especially in the Powerplay. " He added: "India cannot take them lightly. They need to be at the top of their game. Any individual who gets going must make it count. You cannot assume the next batter will do the job. In the T20 World Cup, there are no ifs and buts. You have to go out and deliver as an individual. So yes, you hope for the right result, but India must focus on doing what they need to do. "
Captains' post-match comments
The India captain reflected on leaving the past behind and the need to sharpen the bowling despite the win: "We wanted to leave everything behind – we didn’t think about the group stage or the last game. We looked at everything with our analysts, and we performed. They batted very smartly, but we could have been better with the bowling to take our smart options. A win is a win, but we could have been better with the ball. We will improve and tighten the screws against the West Indies. When we are in such situations [an effective knockout against West Indies], we will have to be more positive, but a day off tomorrow and relax. " The Zimbabwe captain struck an upbeat tone despite the loss: "I look at a lot of positives. We were a lot more composed today compared to the last game. We can take heart, and that is what I’ll do. "
India’s reply in this ind vs zim clash leaves them alive in the race for the semifinals, but the Net Run Rate imperative and the looming match with West Indies make the final Super Eights fixture decisive.
