India Sets Record Total Against Zimbabwe in T20 World Cup Clash

India's Impressive Performance

In a thrilling Super Eight match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, India achieved a remarkable score of 256 runs for the loss of 4 wickets against Zimbabwe. This score marks India's second-highest total in T20 World Cup history and the highest in the current tournament, ranking as the fifth-highest overall in T20 matches.

Zimbabwe's Challenge

To remain in the tournament, Zimbabwe must execute a historic run chase. They previously faced a defeat against the West Indies in Group 1, where only two teams will advance to the semifinals.

Dominant Batting Display by India

India opted to bat first, with Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson opening the innings. Samson made a return to the playing XI, replacing Rinku Singh, while Axar Patel took the place of Washington Sundar. The opening partnership yielded 48 runs in just 22 balls, with Samson scoring 24 runs, including one four and two sixes.

Ishan Kishan, batting at number three, contributed 38 runs off 24 balls, hitting four fours and a six. He formed a significant partnership of 72 runs for the second wicket with Abhishek Sharma, who scored 55 runs off 30 balls, marking his first half-century in the T20 World Cup with four sixes and as many fours.

Kishan was dismissed by Sikandar Raza in the 11th over, bringing Suryakumar Yadav to the crease. Yadav quickly scored 33 runs off just 13 balls, featuring three fours and two sixes before being caught in the 15th over.

Tilak Varma, batting at number six, showcased an explosive performance, scoring an unbeaten 44 runs off only 16 balls, including four sixes and three fours. He partnered with Hardik Pandya, who finished with 50 not out off 23 balls, contributing significantly to India's formidable total.

Record-Breaking Six-Hitting

India's innings featured 17 sixes, tying their record for the most sixes in a T20 World Cup innings, previously set against Australia in the 2024 edition.

Overall, India has hit 63 sixes in this World Cup, surpassing their previous record of 61 in 2024. Only the West Indies, with 66 sixes in this edition, have a higher tally.

Zimbabwe's bowling attack saw Blessing Muzarabani, Tonitenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, and Raza each taking one wicket.

Match Summary

Brief Score: India 256/4 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 55, Hardik Pandya 50*; Sikandar Raza 1/29).