Brief scores: India (256/4 in 20 ov) beat Zimbabwe (184/6 in 20 ov) by 72 runs in Chennai in a Super 8 match.
IND vs ZIM T20 WORLD CUP 2026: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD
India on Thursday staged a brilliant recovery to keep their hopes of qualifying for the semifinals of the T20 World Cup alive. Suryakumar Yadav’s men defeated Zimbabwe by 72 runs in their Super 8 match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. With India’s win, South Africa made their way through to the semifinals, while Zimbabwe were knocked out of the tournament.
This means India and the West Indies are the only two teams left in Group 1 fighting for the remaining semifinal spot. Group 1 has two more matches scheduled for Sunday, March 1. The clash between Zimbabwe and South Africa at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi is inconsequential, with the fate of both teams already sealed.
However, the second match on Sunday between India and the West Indies at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata holds massive significance. It is this contest that will decide the other semifinalist from Group 1. India’s net run rate had dipped to -3.800 after their 76-run loss to South Africa, but it improved sharply to -0.100 following their emphatic win over Zimbabwe.
The question now is: what do India need to do against the West Indies to qualify for the semifinals?
Scenario 1: India win
If India defeat the West Indies, they will qualify for the semifinals with four points from three matches in the Super 8 stage.
Scenario 2: India lose
If India lose to the West Indies, they will be knocked out of the competition, with the West Indies qualifying for the semifinals.
Scenario 3: No-result
If rain washes out Sunday’s clash, the West Indies will qualify for the semifinals. Both teams would finish on three points if the match is abandoned, but the West Indies would advance due to their superior net run rate of +1.791.
More to follow…
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