India vs Zimbabwe Match Highlights, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Match 48 | Feb 26: Hardik Pandya’s All-Round Show as India Seal Clinical 72-Run Win

IND vs ZIM 48th T20 World Cup Match Highlights saw India secure a commanding 72-run victory over Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai. India’s 256/4 proved far beyond Zimbabwe’s reach, as the chase ended at 184/6. The result leaves India third and Zimbabwe fourth in the Group 1 points table.

Zimbabwe opted to field first on a surface that produced immediate returns for stroke-makers. India maximized the powerplay overs, racing ahead to 80/1 at the end of six. Sanju Samson fell early, but Abhishek Sharma’s 55 off 30 balls and Ishan Kishan’s 38 ensured sustained momentum. India crossed 100 in 9.1 overs and reached 150 by 12.4, reflecting the tempo established through calculated aggression rather than reckless hitting.

The middle overs only intensified the assault. Suryakumar Yadav struck 33 off 13, keeping the run rate above 12 per over. After Abhishek’s dismissal at 150/3, Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma combined for a decisive unbroken stand. Their 50-run partnership came in just 20 balls, pushing India past 200 in 16.4 overs. Pandya’s unbeaten 50 off 23 and Tilak’s 44 off 16 lifted the total to 256/4, including 250 coming up in 19.5 overs.

Zimbabwe’s reply began steadily, reaching 44 without loss in the powerplay. Brian Bennett anchored the innings with a composed 97 off 59 balls, bringing up his fifty in 34 deliveries. However, wickets at regular intervals stalled acceleration. Dion Myers and Sikandar Raza fell during the middle phase, and once Arshdeep Singh removed Raza, Ryan Burl, and Tony Munyonga in a tight spell, the chase lost shape.

Despite Bennett batting through, Zimbabwe required sustained boundary hitting that never materialized. India’s bowling unit maintained control, with Arshdeep’s 3/24 setting the tone. The required rate climbed sharply after the 17th over, and the innings closed at 184/6, well short of the 257 target.

Also check: West Indies vs South Africa Match Highlights, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Match 47 | Feb 26

Toss Winner

Winning the toss, Zimbabwe elected to take the field first.

Key Moment

The unbroken 50-run partnership between Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma in just 20 balls during the 15th to 17th overs transformed India from 172/4 to beyond 200, decisively shifting the match beyond Zimbabwe’s reach.

Star Performer / MVP

Hardik Pandya was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 50 off 23 balls and a controlled three-over spell conceding 21 runs, anchoring the late surge that defined the contest.

India vs Zimbabwe Match Summary

IND vs ZIM Playing XI

India: Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah

Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava

FAQs – Yesterday’s India vs Zimbabwe 48th Match (Feb 26, 2026)

Q1: What was the final score of yesterday’s India vs Zimbabwe match?
A1: Yesterday (February 26, 2026): 48th Match, Super Eights, Group 1.
India (256/4) beat Zimbabwe (184/6) by 72 runs.
India: Hardik Pandya scored 50* off 23 balls, while Tilak Varma added 44* off 16.
Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett top-scored with 97 off 59 balls.
Result: India moved to third place in Group 1, Zimbabwe remained fourth.

Q2: Who was named the Player of the Match?
A2: Hardik Pandya was named the Player of the Match for his unbeaten 50 off 23 balls and his economical three-over spell that conceded 21 runs.

Q3: Where was the match played, and who won the toss?
A3: The match was played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai. Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to field first.

Q4: Who were the top performers with the bat for both sides?
A4: For India, Hardik Pandya top-scored with an unbeaten 50, supported by Abhishek Sharma’s 55. For Zimbabwe, Brian Bennett was the leading run-scorer with 97 off 59 balls.

Disclaimer: This match highlight is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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