In a thrilling Super 8 clash during the T20 World Cup 2026, Team India triumphed over Zimbabwe with a commanding 72-run victory at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The opening duo of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma provided a robust foundation for the team. Samson showcased his skills, scoring 24 runs off 15 balls with a four and two sixes, while Abhishek excelled with an impressive 55 runs from just 30 balls, featuring four boundaries and as many sixes.
Reflecting on their partnership, Samson expressed his enjoyment in batting alongside Abhishek, noting their complementary styles. “We keep it very simple. He often asks me, ‘Paaji (brother), what’s the wicket like?’ I tell him it’s fine and just to focus on seeing the ball and swinging his bat. I truly enjoy our time at the crease together. We work well as a pair, and I’m thrilled we could provide India with such a strong start today,” he shared.
In the second phase of the match, Arshdeep Singh shone with the ball, taking three wickets for just 24 runs in four overs. Varun Chakaravarthy, Axar Patel, and Shivam Dube each contributed with a wicket.
Zimbabwe’s defeat by 72 runs, following a 107-run loss to the West Indies, marked the end of their T20 World Cup journey, with South Africa advancing to the semifinals from their group.
Looking ahead, the ‘Men in Blue’ are set to face the West Indies on March 1 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The tournament’s final is slated for March 8, with the venue yet to be confirmed.
T20 World Cup 2026, Super 8: Full Squads
India: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Sanju Samson (WK), Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishan Kishan (WK), Rinku Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Abhishek Sharma, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Tilak Varma.
West Indies: Jason Holder, Johnson Charles (WK), Akeal Hosein, Roston Chase, Shai Hope (C) (WK), Gudakesh Motie, Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Matthew Forde, Quentin Sampson, Shamar Joseph.
(With ANI Inputs)