T20 World Cup Semi-final Scenario: India Could Have Surpassed West Indies' NRR If They Had Beaten Zimbabwe By This Margin
Abhishek Sharma rediscovered his form with a typically blazing fifty, and Hardik Pandya bludgeoned a half-century, powering India to a formidable 256 for four against Zimbabwe in their must-win Super Eight match
India were back to their best - and in ruthless style - at the T20 World Cup 2026. Abhishek Sharma rediscovered his form with a typically blazing fifty, and Hardik Pandya bludgeoned a half-century, powering India to a formidable 256 for four against Zimbabwe in their must-win Super Eight match in Chennai on Thursday. India ultimately won by 72 runs. It was India's highest-ever total in T20 World Cups and the overall highest in this ICC showpiece. But the story of the day was Abhishek (55, 30b, 4x4s, 4x6s).
With such a high score, India could have surpassed the West Indies on Net Run Rate. A higher NRR would have helped India in case of No Result in their next match against West Indies.
Before the match, this is how the T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight points table stood:
1. South Africa - 4 points, 2 matches, NRR +2.890
2. West Indies - 2 points, 2 matches, NRR +1.791
3. India - 0 points, 1 match, NRR -3.800
4. Zimbabwe - 0 points, 1 match, NRR -5.350
According to ESPNcricinfo, India would have surpass the West Indies' NRR with a win margin of 108 or more. It meant India had to restrict Zimbabwe below 148. However, Zimbabwe pulled off a valiant fight and finished on 184/6. Hence, India stayed at No. 3 in the points table.
Current T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Points Table
1. South Africa - 4 points, 2 matches, NRR +2.890
2. West Indies - 2 points, 2 matches, NRR +1.791
3. India - 2 points, 2 matches, NRR -0.100
4. Zimbabwe - 0 points, 2 matches, NRR -4.475
Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya struck blazing half-centuries as India thrashed Zimbabwe by 72 runs in their must-win Super 8 match to keep their semifinal hopes alive in the T20 World Cup on Thursday. Abhishek smashed a brisk 30-ball 55 to provide early momentum, adding 48 runs for the opening wicket with Sanju Samson (24) after Zimbabwe opted to bowl.
Ishan Kishan (38) and Suryakumar Yadav (33) chipped in with quickfire contributions before Pandya hammered an unbeaten 23-ball 50 at the death to power India to 256 for four, the highest total of this edition.
Tilak Varma contributed 44 not out from 14 balls as he and Pandya put on an unbroken 84-run stand off just 31 deliveries.
In reply, Brian Bennett top-scored with an unbeaten 97, but Zimbabwe were restricted to 184 for six in their 20 overs.
India Cricket Team