T20 World Cup 2026: Hardik Pandya & Tilak Varma’s death-over firestorm at Chepauk blows Zimbabwe away

India produced a batting spectacle, posting a mammoth 256/4 in 20 overs against Zimbabwe in their Super Eight clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on February 26.

The platform was laid early, but it was the explosive finish from Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya that propelled India to an imposing total. The duo came together in the 16th over and batted for 31 deliveries, stitching an unbeaten 84-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Their calculated aggression completely dismantled the Zimbabwean bowling attack in the death overs.

Pandya was at his destructive best, hammering an unbeaten 50 off just 23 balls, including two fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 217.39. Tilak, who had been under scrutiny for his recent form and strike rate, silenced critics in style. The left-hander smashed 44 not out off only 16 balls, striking three fours and four sixes at a staggering strike rate of 275.

Earlier in the innings, opener Abhishek Sharma rediscovered his touch after three consecutive ducks, blasting 55 off 30 balls with four boundaries and four sixes. Sanju Samson (24), Ishan Kishan (38), and captain Suryakumar Yadav (33) chipped in with brisk contributions to maintain momentum through the middle overs. Zimbabwe managed to pick up four wickets, with four different bowlers claiming one apiece, but struggled to contain the run flow.

Coming off a defeat to South Africa in their opening Super Eight fixture, India needed a commanding performance in this do-or-die encounter. With qualification for the semi-finals hanging in the balance, the Men in Blue will now shift focus to their crucial clash against the West Indies, which could ultimately decide their fate in the tournament.