India Sets New T20 World Cup Record with 256 Against Zimbabwe
India's Dominant Performance in T20 World Cup
In a remarkable comeback, the Indian cricket team showcased their prowess by amassing a staggering total of 256 runs against Zimbabwe during their second Super Eight match of the 2026 T20 World Cup at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on February 26. Following a loss to South Africa, this match was crucial for both teams, and Zimbabwe's captain Sikandar Raza opted to bowl first after winning the toss.
Abhishek Sharma made a significant impact with a blistering 55 runs off just 30 balls, while Hardik Pandya contributed an impressive unbeaten 50 runs from 23 deliveries. Other notable performances included Tilak Varma with 44 runs off 16 balls, Suryakumar Yadav scoring 33 off 13, and Ishan Kishan adding 38 runs from 24 balls.
India Breaks Long-Standing Records
This match marked a historic moment as India shattered their previous T20 World Cup record, setting a new benchmark for the highest total in the tournament's history. The previous record of 218 runs was established in 2007 against England in Durban. This achievement marks the fifth instance where India has crossed the 200-run mark in T20 World Cup matches, with two of those instances occurring in the current tournament.
India's tally of 19 sixes in this innings is also a record for the team, surpassing their previous best of 15 sixes against Australia in the 2024 edition.
India's Highest T20 World Cup Totals
| Score | Opponent | Venue | Year |
| 256/4 | Zimbabwe | Chennai | 2026 |
| 218/4 | England | Durban | 2007 |
| 210/2 | Afghanistan | Abu Dhabi | 2021 |
| 209/9 | Namibia | Delhi | 2026 |
| 205/5 | Australia | Gros Islet | 2024 |
With a total of 256 runs, India now holds the record for the second-highest score in T20 World Cup history, trailing only behind Sri Lanka's 260 runs against Kenya in 2007. Additionally, this score is the highest ever recorded against a Test-playing nation, surpassing the West Indies' previous record of 254 runs against Zimbabwe in Mumbai.
Furthermore, India's score is the highest achieved by a host nation in T20 World Cup history, eclipsing Sri Lanka's record of 225/5 against Oman earlier this year. The team hit 17 sixes during their innings, ranking third for the most sixes in a T20 World Cup match, following the West Indies and Netherlands, who both hit 19 sixes in their respective matches.
India Joins Elite Company
India has now become the first team in T20 International history to surpass the 250-run mark on five occasions, with four of these instances occurring on home soil (against Bangladesh, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe) and one against South Africa in Johannesburg, where they scored 283 runs. They are only the second team in all T20 formats to achieve this milestone, following the Indian Premier League franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad.