India knock out Zimbabwe, South Africa seal semi-final spot

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Feb 26, 2026

India thrashed Zimbabwe by 72 runs in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Super eight Group 1 clash on Thursday in Chennai, a result that not only eliminated Zimbabwe from the tournament but also confirmed South Africa’s place in the semi-finals.

Chasing a massive target of 257, Zimbabwe managed 184 for 6 in their 20 overs. Opener Brian Bennett fought hard with an unbeaten 97 off 59 balls, while captain Sikandar Raza contributed 31.

However, the steep target proved too much. For India, Arshdeep Singh starred with the ball, claiming three wickets for 24 runs in four overs. Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube picked up one wicket each.

Earlier, after being put in to bat, India piled up a formidable 256 for 4 in their 20 overs. Abhishek Sharma smashed 55 off 30 balls, while Hardik Pandya remained unbeaten on 50 from 23 deliveries.

Tilak Varma provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 44 off just 16 balls. Ishan Kishan (38), Suryakumar Yadav (33) and Sanju Samson (24) also made valuable contributions.

For Zimbabwe, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Blessing Muzarabani and Tinotenda Maposa claimed one wicket each.

Zimbabwe’s defeat meant they were knocked out with a game to spare, while South Africa advanced to the last four from Group 1. England had already secured a semi-final berth from the other group.

Earlier in the day in Ahmedabad, South Africa moved closer to qualification with a dominant nine-wicket win over West Indies in another Super 8 encounter.

Chasing 177, South Africa cruised to 177 for 1 in just 16.1 overs. Captain Aiden Markram led from the front with an unbeaten 82 off 46 balls, hitting seven fours and four sixes.

Ryan Rickelton remained not out on 45, while Quinton de Kock scored 47 before being dismissed. West Indies’ only wicket came through Roston Chase.

Batting first after losing the toss, West Indies posted 176 for 8 in their 20 overs. Romario Shepherd struck an unbeaten 52, and Jason Holder made 49. The pair shared an 89-run partnership after the team had slumped to 83 for 7. Brandon King added 21.

For South Africa, Lungi Ngidi picked up three wickets, while Kagiso Rabada and Corbin Bosch took two each.

South Africa remain unbeaten in the tournament, while West Indies suffered their first loss.

India are set to face West Indies next, with the winner also securing a place in the semi-finals.