Brian Bennett’s 97* in Vain as India Vs Zimbabwe Ends in 72-Run India Victory in Chennai
by Millie Sian, Elizabeth Botcherby & Maisie Gallen
In the Super Eights encounter on February 26, 2026, the india vs zimbabwe fixture delivered a remarkable individual innings but ultimately a one-sided result: India posted 256-4 and claimed a 72-run victory to eliminate Zimbabwe from the tournament.
India Vs Zimbabwe: Match summary
The 48th Match of the Super Eights, Group 1 at Chennai saw India amass 256-4, the second-highest total in T20 World Cup history. That imposing total proved decisive as Zimbabwe were unable to chase it down, finishing well short and bowing out of the competition after a 72-run defeat.
India's batting blitz sets the tone
India’s total was built on multiple big contributions. A rapid half-century from Sharma laid the early foundation. Hardik played a match-defining cameo, finishing unbeaten on 50 from 23 balls and earning Player of the Match honors for his all-round influence. Tilak accelerated late with 44* off 16, propelling India to the mammoth 256-4.
Bennett’s unbeaten 97 and Zimbabwe’s chase
Batting second, Brian Bennett compiled an unbeaten 97 but he could not carry Zimbabwe to safety. His stand-out knock kept Zimbabwe competitive at times, yet the rest of the batting lineup failed to match India’s early potency. Zimbabwe’s total fell well short, handing India a comprehensive 72-run victory.
Reactions, milestones and self-assessment
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza reflected on positives and shortcomings after the match. He praised his side’s composure in batting and noted the need for better defensive execution, saying they conceded too many runs and that once momentum was lost it was difficult to recover. Raza specifically suggested that restricting India to around 210 or 220 was a realistic target and flagged fielding as an urgent area for improvement.
Raza’s own contribution of 31 runs carried additional significance: it took him past 3, 000 T20 international runs, making him the first batter from Zimbabwe to reach that milestone.
India’s Player of the Match Hardik Pandya said he reassessed his approach during the innings, shifting from trying to hit too hard to timing the ball and targeting sixes when opportunities came. He expressed satisfaction with his batting and noted that he enjoys bowling with the new ball, particularly an inswing delivery that gives bowlers a chance to take wickets and trouble batters.
Context and what this result means
The win keeps Suryakumar Yadav’s team alive in the T20 World Cup; it was described as not the most drama-filled Super 8s contest but one that achieved its purpose for India, allowing them to "live to fight another day" in the tournament. Before this meeting, the teams had met only once at a previous T20 World Cup, in 2022, when Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten 25-ball 61 had led India to a 71-run win.
Looking ahead: schedule and follow-ups
Readers are encouraged to read Elizabeth Botcherby’s match report for a fuller blow-by-blow account of the action. Coverage will continue with England’s clash against New Zealand the following day; while England might already be through, New Zealand were still fighting to advance. A preview by Matthew Henry was suggested as pre-match reading, with live-text commentary scheduled to begin at 13: 00 GMT.
Match details: 48th Match, Super Eights, Group 1 at Chennai, February 26, 2026. India 256-4 (second-highest T20 World Cup total); India won by 72 runs. Key performers: Sharma (rapid half-century), Hardik 50* off 23 (Player of the Match), Tilak 44* off 16; Brian Bennett 97* for Zimbabwe; Sikandar Raza 31 (milestone 3, 000 T20I runs).
