Abhishek, Hardik, & Tilak Power India to 256/4 - India’s Highest Total In T20 World Cups

India started aggressively, reaching 50 in just 4.1 overs during the mandatory powerplay. Sanju Samson provided an early spark with 24 off 15 balls before falling to Blessing Muzarabani, but Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan quickly took control. By the 6-over mark, India were 80/1, with Sharma on 33 and Kishan on 15, setting the tone for a big total.

Sharma brought up his fifty off just 26 balls, hitting three boundaries and four sixes. Kishan contributed a quick 38, while Suryakumar Yadav joined the assault with a whirlwind 33 off only 13 balls. India reached 150 in 12.4 overs, maintaining an impressive scoring rate of over 12 runs per over. The innings ended at 256/4, marking India’s highest score in T20 World Cups, a record-breaking display of batting firepower.

Pandya and Varma Dominate Late Overs

The late overs saw Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma take the attack to Zimbabwe, putting on a rapid 50-run partnership in 20 balls. Pandya scored 50 off 23 balls, while Varma remained unbeaten on 44 off 16 deliveries. India reached 200 in 16.4 overs and finished with a mammoth 256/4 in 20 overs, leaving Zimbabwe with a massive total to chase.

Bowling Struggles for Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s bowlers, including Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, and Tinotenda Maposa, struggled to contain the Indian onslaught, conceding heavily in the middle and late overs. Extras also added 12 runs, reflecting India’s aggressive dominance throughout the innings.

India Sets a Huge Target

With multiple players firing at a rapid pace, India is firmly in control in the Ind vs Zim, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash. Zimbabwe now face a daunting task if they hope to stage a comeback in the closing overs.