In a thrilling Super-8 clash of the T20 World Cup 2026, India demolished Zimbabwe by 72 runs at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Hardik Pandya’s unbeaten 50 off just 23 balls, featuring four towering sixes and two boundaries, earned him Player of the Match honors. His partnership with Tilak Varma, who remained not out on 44, added a blistering 84 runs in 31 balls, propelling India to a massive 256 for 4.
Zimbabwe, chasing the daunting total, crumbled to 184 for 6 in their allotted overs, handing India a commanding victory. Post-match, Pandya reflected on his aggressive knock with characteristic candor. ‘I felt great out there. Scoring 50 in 23 balls sounds odd, but I had to reassess myself mid-innings,’ he said. ‘I realized I didn’t need to swing harder; trusting my timing was enough to clear the ropes. This game helped me regain rhythm after struggling in recent outings.’
Pandya’s all-round brilliance shone through as he also bowled economically, conceding 21 runs in three overs with the new ball. ‘Bowling with the new ball suits me; the swing—both in and out—creates opportunities,’ he added, crediting his skills for keeping the pressure on.
The win was crucial, coming after South Africa’s dominant 9-wicket triumph over West Indies earlier in the day. Pandya admitted the team kept tabs on that result but quickly refocused. ‘We play our cricket, embrace the pressure, and trust our skills. That’s our game plan now.’
India’s clinical performance sends a strong message in the Super-8 stage, with Pandya’s resurgence signaling more fireworks ahead in the tournament.