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T20 WC Super 8s India vs Zim Updates: India thrash Zim by 72 runs

Thu, 26 February 2026

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22:41

India thrash Zim by 72 runs

Zimbabwe 184-6 (20 Ovs) vs India 256-4 | SCORECARD

India cruised to a comfortable 72-run win over Zimbabwe, putting their Super 8 campaign firmly back on track.

The loss means Zimbabwe have been eliminated from the tournament.

India now need a victory against the West Indies to secure a spot in the semifinals. South Africa have already confirmed their place in the next round.

22:36

India thrash Zim by 72 runs

Zimbabwe 184-6 (20 Ovs) vs India 256-4 | SCORECARD

Shivam Dube to bowl the final over. Brian Bennett is on 86 -- can he reach his century? He had smashed Dube in their last encounter, so this will be interesting.

Bennett flicks the first ball towards midwicket for a single.

Musekiwa ducks under a bouncer -- no ball! On the free hit, he slams a huge six. But wicket! A brilliant catch from Sanju Samson at long-on '" Musekiwa is out for 7 off 4 balls.

Brad Evans walks in as the new batter. A slower ball comes first -- Evans gets forward and flicks it to deep midwicket for a single.

Bennett goes big! He smashes a full slower ball for six, then finishes the over with a boundary off the last ball.

Twenty runs and a wicket come off the final over. Brian Bennett ends on 97 off 59 balls.

India win by 72 runs! A comfortable and commanding performance from the home side.

22:29

India on verge of record win

Zimbabwe 164-5 (19 Ovs) vs India 256-4 | SCORECARD

Arshdeep Singh is back into the attack. Bennett flicks one to backward point for a single.

Munyonga is out! Arshdeep delivers a brilliant yorker, hitting the stumps perfectly. Tony Munyonga departs for 11 off 6 balls -- a huge breakthrough for India at a crucial stage.

Tashinga Musekiwa walks in as the new batter and gets off the mark with a single.

Another appeal from Arshdeep Singh -- Sanju Samson convinces SKY to take the review, this time for a caught behind. UltraEdge shows a flat line -- not out! India have no reviews left.

A single comes off the next ball to end the over. Just 3 runs and a wicket come off it. After 19 overs, Zimbabwe are 164-5, needing 93 from 6 balls -- an almost impossible chase!

22:23

Zimbabwe need 96 from 12

Zimbabwe 161-4 (18 Ovs) vs India 256-4 | SCORECARD

Hardik Pandya is back into the attack. Bennett edges one thickly but picks up a single. Hardik then nails a perfect yorker, allowing Munyonga to take a single. Bennett steps up and slams a superb boundary, followed by a single. Munyonga flicks one towards midwicket for a couple of runs, and a dot ball ends the over. Nine runs come off it.

After 18 overs, Zimbabwe are 161-4, needing 96 runs from 12 balls -- the chase is under huge pressure.

22:18

Arshdeep strikes twice

Zimbabwe 152-4 (17 Ovs) vs India 256-4 | SCORECARD

Varun Chakravarthy returns. Sikandar Raza welcomes him with a huge six, followed by a single. A swing and miss comes next, then Raza sends one to backward point for no run. He slams a boundary before taking a single to finish the over. 13 runs come off it. After 16 overs, Zimbabwe are 144-2.

Arshdeep Singh is back into the attack. Raza defends the first ball, but on the next, he's out! Raza goes on the back foot and pulls a flat hit straight to Abhishek Sharma at long-on. Zimbabwe lose a key wicket -- Raza departs for 31 off 21 balls.

Ryan Burl walks in as the new batter. He sways outside the line of the first delivery. A huge appeal for LBW goes up but the on-field umpire doesn't give it. Arshdeep Singh looks confident.

Suryakumar Yadav takes a review with just two seconds to spare. The ball strikes in line -- three reds! Ryan Burl is OUT LBW off Arshdeep Singh's bowling. A big breakthrough for India!

Tony Munyonga walks in as the new batter. He starts in style, smashing a boundary off the first ball and following it up with another.

Eight runs come off the over. After 17 overs, Zimbabwe are 152-4.

22:08

Bennett goes berserk

Zimbabwe 131-2 (15 Ovs) vs India 256-4 | SCORECARD

Axar Patel continues. Bennett mistimes the first delivery -- no run. He sends the next back to the bowler for a single. Raza slams a boundary and follows it up with a single. A wide is called, and a single off the final ball ends the over. Eight runs come off it.

After 14 overs, Zimbabwe are 105-2, needing 152 from 36 balls.

After the drinks break, Shivam Dube is brought into the attack. Bennett starts aggressively, smashing one through cover but Arshdeep Singh makes an excellent save, cutting off two runs. Bennett then launches a massive six with no fielder in range, followed by a boundary towards long-on for four. Suryakumar Yadav has a quick chat with Dube, but no change -- Bennett continues his onslaught, hitting another four. A delivery down the leg is called a wide. A rare dot ball follows, then a no-ball on the off-side, adding to the pressure. Another wide comes next, before Bennett ends the over with a towering six.

A staggering 26 runs come off the over.

After 15 overs, Zimbabwe are 131-2, needing 126 from 30 balls -- the chase is still alive, but India will feel the heat.

22:01

Bennett slams fifty

Zimbabwe 97-2 (13 Ovs) vs India 256-4 | SCORECARD

Jasprit Bumrah is back into the attack. Raza cuts the first delivery to backward point for a single.

Bennett goes big! He smashes a massive six and moves to 50 off 34 balls, his third in this tournament. The next ball, he backs away and drives straight to the fielder at extra-cover -- no run. A low full-toss on middle stump is flicked for a single. Raza also picks up a single.

A slower ball sees Bennett straight to the fielder at deep midwicket, but he manages a single.

10 runs come off the over. After 13 overs, Zimbabwe are 97-2, needing 160 from 42 balls.

21:51

Axar, Varun keep runs in check

Zimbabwe 87-2 (12 Ovs) vs India 256-4 | SCORECARD

Axar Patel continues. Raza and Bennett rotate the strike with singles. Bennett moves to 45 off 31 balls, while Raza ends the over with a single. Just five singles come off the over, with a sharp chance for a catch that falls just short of Abhishek Sharma. After 11 overs, Zimbabwe are 78-2.

Varun Chakravarthy comes back into the attack. A googly from him is sent straight back by Raza, who then slams a huge six -- he looks in aggressive mood. He follows it with a single towards long-on. Bennett picks up a single as well, but Axar dives brilliantly at backward point to save three runs. Raza pushes for one more to long-off, and Bennett defends to finish the over.

9 runs come off it. After 12 overs, Zimbabwe are 87-2, needing 170 from 48 balls.

21:45

Myers out, falls for 6

Zimbabwe 73-2 (10 Ovs) vs India 256-4 | SCORECARD

Varun Chakravarthy continues from the other end. Myers and Bennett exchange a quick single each.

WICKET! Dion Myers skies one and Tilak Varma races in from deep midwicket to take a brilliant catch. Myers departs for 6 off 9 balls.

Sikandar Raza walks in as the new batter for Zimbabwe.

21:42

Bennett smashes two sixes

Zimbabwe 70-1 (9 Ovs) vs India 256-4 | SCORECARD

Bumrah continues from the other end. Dion Myers jabs one towards long-on for a single, then sends the next back to the bowler. Bennett drives to deep point for a single, and with that, Zimbabwe reach 50. Myers ducks under a short ball before pulling one towards midwicket for another single.

A big moment follows -- Suryakumar Yadav reviews a caught-behind appeal with just two seconds to spare. He checks with Sanju Samson and Jasprit Bumrah, both confident it's not out. The decision goes India's way -- not out, but they lose the review.

Just three runs come off the over. After eight overs, Zimbabwe are 51-1, needing 206 from 72 balls.

Axar Patel continues. Myers comes down the wicket and nudges one for a single. Bennett responds in style, dancing down the track and launching a massive six! He follows it up with a boundary to deep extra cover, drives one to long-off for a single, and Myers also gets a one-bounce single. Bennett finishes the over with another towering six.

19 runs come off the over. After nine overs, Zimbabwe are 70-1, now needing 187 from 66 balls.

21:33

Axar strikes as Marumani falls for 20

Zimbabwe 48-1 (7 Ovs) vs India 256-4 | SCORECARD

Axar Patel is brought into the attack. Marumani defends a delivery off the back foot, driving towards cover -- no run.

And then the breakthrough! Marumani attempts a carve straight to forward point, and Ishan Kishan doesn't miss a thing. Marumani departs for 20 off 20 balls, a key wicket for India.

Dion Myers is the new batter. He shuffles across and manages a single, followed by a leg bye.

Bennett plays cautiously towards midwicket but gets nothing. He then jabs at the next delivery for a single. Myers flicks and misses the following ball -- a wide is called. He drives the next delivery to long-off for another single.

Just four singles come off the over, along with the earlier wicket. After seven overs, Zimbabwe are 48-1.

21:29

Rinku drops, Marumani survives

Zimbabwe 44-0 (6 Ovs) vs India 256-4 | SCORECARD

Change in bowling, Jasprit Bumrah is brought into the attack. Bennett flicks the first delivery towards midwicket but gets no run. He then whips a beautiful delivery from middle-stump for four runs! A swing and a miss follows. Bennett gets forward to flick another one to midwicket, straight to the fielder.

Bumrah tries a slower ball, but Bennett adjusts well, lofting straight down the ground for another boundary. A peach of a yorker at the death is brilliantly saved in the deep.

Eight runs come off the over. After five overs, Zimbabwe are 33-0.

Another change, Varun Chakravarthy is brought into the attack. Marumani welcomes him in style with a massive six -- he had been going after big shots in the last game too. He misses the next delivery and then sends one back to the bowler.

Marumani attempts a slog sweep but it's dropped by Rinku Singh at long-on -- a life for him! He manages two runs off that delivery, followed by a single off the next. Bennett powers one towards long-on for a couple of runs.

11 runs come off the over. After six overs, Zimbabwe are 44-0.

21:21

Steady start for Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe 25-0 (4 Ovs) vs India 256-4 | SCORECARD

Arshdeep Singh continues from the other end. Brian Bennett nudges one towards deep midwicket for a single. He swings and misses the next delivery. Marumani ducks under a short ball before flicking one towards cover point for a couple of runs. He's beaten by the next delivery, but recovers to punch one towards mid-on for a single. Bennett finishes the over in style, driving one to the boundary. Nine runs come off the over. After three overs, Zimbabwe are 19-0.

Hardik Pandya continues from the other end. Marumani tries to create some room but fails, edging one to square leg for a single. Bennett pushes the next ball to deep point for a couple of runs. Bennett then pulls one but finds the fielder at midwicket -- no run. Another ball is hit in the air but falls safely. Dube chases it back, but it clears him easily, yielding two runs. A single off the final ball ends the over.

Six runs come off it. After four overs, Zimbabwe are 25-0.

The equation is already steep for Zimbabwe -- they need 232 runs from 96 balls to chase India's massive 256.

21:16

Tough start for Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe 10-0 (2 Ovs) vs India 256-4 | SCORECARD

Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani are at the crease for Zimbabwe, with Bennett on strike. Arshdeep Singh opens the attack. Bennett starts cautiously, cutting one to deep for a single. Marumani then defends to cover point, also picking up a single. Bennett is beaten by the next delivery, but manages a couple of runs off the following ball. A swing and a miss follows, then he defends one to point to end the over. Just four runs came off the first over, as Arshdeep keeps things tight early on.

Hardik comes in from the other end, and Marumani welcomes him in style -- a massive six sails over the keeper! He then cuts one to point for no run, and sends a short ball to midwicket, also for none. Another swing and a miss follows, and a cut to cover yields nothing. Hardik nails a perfect yorker, and Marumani struggles to get going.

Six runs come off the over. After two overs, Zimbabwe are 10-0.

21:01

Hardik's 50 powers India to 256-4

India 256-4 (20 Ovs) vs Zim | SCORECARD

Zimbabwe are having a torrid time in the Super Eights. After West Indies blasted 254 at Wankhede, India have now piled on 256 at Chepauk -- the highest total of the 2026 T20 World Cup so far.

And what an innings from India! Samson set the tone with a six in the very first over, and the momentum never slowed. Abhishek Sharma returned to top form with a scintillating 55 off 30 balls, while Hardik Pandya tore through the bowling with an unbeaten 50 off just 23 balls. Tilak Varma also made a massive impact, smashing an unbeaten 44 off 16 balls.

The Indian batters have done their job spectacularly.

20:47

Hardik's 50 powers India to 256-4

India 256-4 (20 Ovs) vs Zim | SCORECARD

Brad Evans to bowl the final over. He starts brilliantly, nailing a wide yorker from around the wicket -- Tilak can't get under it. Just a single from the next ball. Evans goes full and straight again, targeting the stumps. Hardik does well to dig it out in time and manages to squeeze out a couple. Excellent death bowling so far. But Hardik isn't done. He clears his front leg and launches a massive six over long-off! And he finishes in style -- another towering six to close the innings! That brings up Hardik's fifty off just 23 balls in explosive fashion.

15 runs come off the final over. India finish on a staggering 256-4 after 20 overs -- a mammoth total.

20:43

Tilak on fire, India race to 241

India 241-4 (19 Ovs) vs Zim | SCORECARD

Richard Ngarava returns for the penultimate over and begins with a wide. Hardik lets the first legal delivery go, then pounces -- smashing the next ball to the boundary. He follows it with a single down to long-off. Tilak Varma takes over from there. He powers one towards deep midwicket for a couple and looks in ominous touch. Batting like a man possessed, Tilak then launches a colossal six into the stands and follows it up with another maximum! He races to 42 off just 13 balls in breathtaking fashion. This is a statement knock.

A single rounds off a massive over -- 21 runs from it. After 19 overs, India are 241-4.

20:37

India smash record 220

India 220-4 (18 Ovs) vs Zim | SCORECARD

Blessing Muzarabani continues. He starts with a slower one, but Hardik reads it perfectly and sends it soaring into the stands. A powerful statement to begin the over. Hardik then flicks one towards deep midwicket for a single. Tilak Varma joins the assault, slicing one beautifully over backward point for a boundary. He backs it up with a single. Hardik nudges the next towards long-on and looks for two, but Tilak wisely sends him back -- good running and sharp awareness.

Tilak finishes the over in style -- launching a massive six into the crowd! 19 runs come off the over.

After 18 overs, India are 220-4-- their highest-ever total in T20 World Cup history.

20:31

200 comes up for India

India 201-4 (17 Ovs) vs Zim | SCORECARD

Brad Evans returns to the attack and begins with a wide -- not the ideal start. Hardik makes him pay immediately, smashing the next ball to the boundary. He follows it up with a couple of well-run twos to keep the pressure on. Hardik then muscles one down to long-on but settles for just a single.

Tilak Varma takes charge next -- launching a massive six into the stands! That brings up 200 for India in emphatic fashion.

The over ends with a couple of dot balls as Evans pulls things back slightly.

14 runs come off it. After 17 overs, India are 201-4.

20:28

Hardik survives, India surge past 180

India 187-4 (16 Ovs) vs Zim | SCORECARD

Muzarabani comes in from the other end. Hardik flicks one through backward point, and an overthrow allows India to sneak in an extra single. He then pushes the next towards cover for another run. Tilak Varma joins the party, smashing a boundary to keep the momentum going. He follows it up with a single. Hardik adds one more, and then miscues one high in the air -- it lands safely between two converging fielders! A lucky escape, and they take a single. Tilak finishes the over with a couple of runs.

11 come off it. After 16 overs, India are 187-4.

20:23

Ngarava strikes to remove SKY

India 176-4 (15 Ovs) vs Zim | SCORECARD

Drinks are taken with India firmly on course for a big total. Richard Ngarava returns to the attack. Short and wide to begin with, and Hardik cashes in, picking up a couple of runs. He then flicks the next delivery towards deep backward square for a single.

Suryakumar Yadav takes over and what a shot! A stunning no-look six sails into the stands. He follows it up with a couple more runs to keep the pressure on. Myers then produces a brilliant diving stop in the deep, saving two crucial runs.

But just as India look set to explode again -- breakthrough! Suryakumar Yadav is out, caught by Tashinga Musekiwa. SKY departs for a brisk 33 off 13 balls. Once again, he falls after a promising start.

Tilak Varma, the new batter is off the mark with a boundary.

20:13

Abhishek falls for 55

India 161-3 (14 Ovs) vs Zim | SCORECARD

Ryan Burl is brought into the attack. Hardik Pandya starts cautiously, guiding one towards third man but straight to the fielder -- no run. He makes amends immediately, though, smashing the next ball high into the stands for a massive six!

Hardik then mistimes one but manages to pick up a single. Suryakumar Yadav works it towards square for another run. A delivery down the leg side is called wide. Brilliant effort from Raza near the ropes -- he pulls off a superb save to prevent what looked like a certain six. India settle for just a single to close the over.

10 runs come off it. After 14 overs, India are 161-3.

20:09

Abhishek falls for 55

India 151-3 (13 Ovs) vs Zim | SCORECARD

Tinotenda Maposa is back into the attack, and Suryakumar Yadav wastes no time welcoming him -- launching a stunning boundary straight into the stands. He follows it up with a single to keep the pressure on.

Maposa tries the slower ball, but Abhishek is in no mood to slow down. He goes hard again, looking unstoppable tonight. A delivery drifting down the leg side is called wide -- the young bowler, playing his first World Cup game, can clearly feel the pressure.

And then -- breakthrough! Maposa strikes! Abhishek goes for the big shot, but Raza takes a sharp catch. Abhishek departs for a superb 55 off 30 balls.

Disappointment for the Indian fans as a fine knock comes to an end.

Hardik Pandya is the new batter and he is off the mark with a single.

20:04

SKY dropped!

India 134-2 (12 Ovs) vs Zim | SCORECARD

Brad Evans is back into the attack. Suryakumar Yadav eases the first ball down to long-on for a single. Abhishek swings hard but connects with thin air. He responds by flicking one towards backward point for a run. SKY keeps the strike rotating with another easy single.

Dropped again! This time Muzarabani is the culprit -- a costly miss, and it races away towards square leg for a boundary. Zimbabwe are looking sloppy in the field at the moment.

Suryakumar closes the over with a single. 9 runs come off it. After 12 overs, India are 134-2.

19:57

Abhishek slams 50 but Kishan out

India 125-2 (11 Ovs) vs Zim | SCORECARD

Raza continued, and Abhishek Sharma nudged one for a single to bring up a well-deserved half-century. A huge roar erupted from the crowd as he reached his fifty, and India would be hoping he carries on in this destructive mood. Kishan then took charge -- first smashing a boundary and then backing it up with a towering six. But just when he looked set for something big, he perished.

WICKET! Ishan Kishan is out -- caught by Richard Ngarava! He departs for a brisk 38 off 24 balls. That earlier dropped catch didn't prove too costly in the end.

Suryakumar Yadav is the new batter and he gets off the mark in style with a crisp boundary. He follows it up with a single to keep the momentum going. 16 runs and a wicket come off the over.

At 125-2 after 11 overs, India are nicely placed. The foundation is set -- the next few overs will determine whether this turns into a good total or a daunting one.

19:52

Kishan dropped, India cross 100

India 109-1 (10 Ovs) vs Zim | SCORECARD

Raza continued, but Kishan greeted him with a boundary to start the over. He followed it up with a single towards long-on. Abhishek chipped in with a couple of runs before making room to go big, only to find the fielder at mid-off. The pair then rotated strike with a few more singles to close out the over. Nine runs came from it, and after nine overs, India moved to 99 for 1.

Brian Bennett continued, and there was drama straightaway -- Kishan has been dropped! Musekiwa the culprit, spilling a straightforward chance. A costly miss, and to add to Zimbabwe's frustration, it also brought up India's 100.

Abhishek made them pay immediately, refusing to slow down as he launched a massive six into the stands. He then drove one down to long-on for a single. Kishan cut for a run, and Abhishek nudged another towards mid-on to keep the scoreboard ticking. A dot ball ended the over.

10 runs came off it. At the halfway mark, India were cruising at 109 for 1.

19:45

Zim spinners apply the brakes

India 90-1 (8 Ovs) vs Zim | SCORECARD

Brian Bennett was introduced into the attack as Zimbabwe continued with spin. Abhishek and Kishan were content to deal in singles, calmly rotating the strike and keeping the scoreboard moving. It was a quiet over compared to the early fireworks, as the spinners began to slow the tempo of the game.

After eight overs, India are 90 for 1.

19:41

Raza slows India's charge

India 84-1 (7 Ovs) vs Zim | SCORECARD

Skipper Sikandar Raza brought himself into the attack, looking to stem the flow of runs. Kishan began cautiously, defending the first delivery before driving one towards long-off for a single. Abhishek played the next ball straight back to the bowler, then rotated strike with a single. Kishan flicked one towards deep midwicket for another run, and Abhishek nudged one more to close the over.

Just four runs came off it -- a tidy start from Raza. After seven overs, India were 84 for 1.

19:37

India blaze to 80/1 after powerplay

India 80-1 (6 Ovs) vs Zim | SCORECARD

Brad Evans was introduced into the attack. Kishan got going straightaway, picking up a couple of runs before flicking one towards deep point for a single. Abhishek, anticipating the short ball, was ready for it -- he rocked back and sent it soaring into the stands for six. A solid defensive shot followed, then a delivery drifting down the leg side was called wide. Abhishek continued the charge, slamming another boundary, before a dot ball ended the over.

14 runs came from it, taking India to 63 for 1 after five overs.

Richard Ngarava returned for the final over of the Powerplay and the big question was, would there be more fireworks?

Kishan answered immediately, starting the over with a crisp boundary. He defended the next ball, then collected a couple more runs to keep the scoreboard ticking. Another authoritative boundary followed. He flicked one towards midwicket for a single, and fittingly, Abhishek capped off the Powerplay in style -- launching a towering maximum into the stands.

17 runs came off the over. At the end of six overs, India were flying at 80 for 1.

19:25

Samson departs for 24

India 49-1 (4 Ovs) vs Zim | SCORECARD

Blessing Muzarabani continued the attack, and Samson worked one towards the leg side for a single. Abhishek then went for a flashy cut but missed it, before getting off strike with a single on the next ball.

WICKET! Samson is gone -- caught by Ryan Burl! He had made room early, looking to slog across the line, but dragged it off the thick inside half of the bat towards deep mid-wicket where Burl ran in to complete the catch. A lively cameo comes to an end -- 24 off just 15 balls.

Ishan Kishan walks in as the new batter.

19:20

India race to a flying start

India 46-0 (3 Ovs) vs Zim | SCORECARD

Tinotenda Maposa came into the attack, and Abhishek was beaten first up. But the response was emphatic -- an overpitched delivery was punished to the boundary. The siren then went off for a no-ball, adding to Zimbabwe's troubles. A wayward yorker drifted wide, followed by another wide -- pressure mounting. Off the free hit, Abhishek hammered a boundary that bounced just inside the rope. He then rotated strike with an easy single. Samson joined the party, dealing in big hits -- cracking a powerful four. A yorker followed and Sanju could manage only a single. But the over ended in style as Abhishek picked the slower one and sent it soaring into the stands for six.

Twenty-three runs came off the over -- a massive one for India. After three overs, India raced to 46 for no loss.

19:13

India off to a good start

India 23-0 (2 Ovs) vs Zim | SCORECARD

A massive roar echoed around the ground the moment Surya confirmed Sanju Samson's inclusion.

The crowd was on its feet as Samson walked out to open. He'll take strike, with Abhishek Sharma at the non-striker's end.

Richard Ngarava has the new ball in hand.

First ball -- guided towards third man, no run. And then -- BANG! Samson stands tall and launches one into the stands. What a way to get off the mark -- opens his account with a towering six! A leg-bye follows, brushing off the pads. FOUR!

Crunched past the fielder -- beautifully timed. Taps one down for a quick single. In the air' but it lands safely! They'll come back for two. Slower yorker to finish -- Samson squeezes out just one.

Thirteen runs come off the opening over -- a lively start from India.

Blessing Muzarabani took over from the other end, and Sanju began cautiously, defending the first delivery. He then flicked one towards point for a single.

Abhishek Sharma got off the mark as well, jabbing the ball towards deep cover for a run.

But Samson soon switched gears -- he went berserk, smashing his second towering six of the innings. Muzarabani responded well, cleverly taking the pace off and mixing it up with slower deliveries. Samson adjusted, nudging a slower ball towards extra cover for a couple.

10 runs came off the over, taking India to 23 for no loss after two overs.

18:43

Here are the playing XIs

Here are the playing XIs

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

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

18:42

Zim opt to bowl; Axar, Samson return

Toss time at the ground. Ravi Shastri is out in the middle with the captains of India and Zimbabwe.

It's a must-win clash for both teams and Zimbabwe have won the toss and chosen to field.

Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe captain: 'We're going to bowl first. It's not the usual Chennai wicket -- there's a bit of moisture in it, so we want to make the most of the conditions with our seamers. If we can keep India to a manageable total, it will really help us. It's hot out there, but both teams are dealing with the same conditions. The pitch looks like it's holding up fine. We've made one tactical change -- Cremer misses out.'

Suryakumar Yadav, India captain: 'We were looking to bat first anyway. Sometimes pressure brings out the best in you, but the mood in the camp is relaxed. Hardik has been lifting the energy and the boys are in a good space. Win or lose, you always learn something. The key is to forget the last game, play with freedom, and be fearless. Axar comes in for Washington, and Sanju replaces Rinku -- Sanju will keep wickets.'

18:24

Markram, Ngidi star in victory; SA have one foot in semis

SA 177-1 (16.1 ovs) vs WI 176-8 | Scorecard

Clinical South Africa hammer West Indies by 9 wickets in their Super 8 match in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

Given this result, Net Run Rate will no longer be an issue for India provided they win their remaining matches.

Chasing 177 for victory, Markram and de Kock put on a 95-run opening partnership before Rickelton and the captain put on an 82-run stand to take the Proteas through.

Earlier, Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd lifted West Indies to a competitive 176 for 8.

Opting to bowl, South Africa dished out a clinical bowling effort with the pace trio of Kagiso Rabada (2/22), Lungi Ngidi (3/30) and Corbin Bosch (2/31) sharing seven wickets.

But Holder and Shepherd smashed 89 off 57 balls for the eighth wicket to take them to a challenging score.

Holder back in the attack and Markram slaps the ball down the ground to bring up the winning runs.

Shepherd is back in the attack and the high full toss is cut to deep backward square leg for a couple.

Rickelton checks it for a no ball. No ball called by third umpire.

Wide yorker next before Rickelton drills the ball through vacant off side for a four.

A single next. 6 needed off 27 balls now.

Wide down the leg side next. Markram then takes a single to the leg side.

High full toss next and Rickelton hits it straight to the stumps at the other end.

A dot to end the over as 10 come off it.

Holder is back in the attack and Markram starts the over with a couple to long on.

A single later, Rickelton digs out the yorker to the leg side for a single.

Markram then punches the ball to sweeper cover for a couple.

He then squeezes out the yorker to long on for a single.

Rickelton then pulls the ball to deep midwicket for a single as 8 come off it.

18:03

Roston Chase sent to the cleaners

SA 155-1 (14 ovs) vs WI 176-8 | Scorecard

South Africa on their way to victory with Markram leading from the front.

The Proteas need 22 off 6 overs

Chase is back in the attack and Markram starts the over with a six straight down the ground.

Back to back sixes for Markram to bring up the 50-run partnership as the ball is smashed over long on for a six!

A single later, Rickelton then slog sweeps the ball over deep midwicket for a six!

Two dots to end the over as 19 come off it.

Shamar Joseph is back in the attack and Rickelton and Markram take a single each off the first two balls before Rickelton pulls the ball down past backward square leg for a four!

A dot later, Rickelton drives the ball to mid-off for a single..

Markram then clips the ball to deep mid-wicket for a couple as 8 come off it.

17:52

South Africa need 49 off 48 balls

SA 128-1 (12 ovs) vs WI 176-8 | Scorecard

Chase continues and Rickelton and Markram take a single each.

Short and on the leg stump and Rickelton pulls it over deep mid-wicket for a six!

Rickelton then sweeps it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Markram then hits it straight to Chase who puts it down. The batters steal a single.

Rickelton gets a single to covers for a single as 11 come off it.

Holder is back in the attack and after a dot, Markram gets a single to mid-wicket.

A dot later, Rickelton cuts the ball wide of backward point for a four.

Rickelton then drives the ball down the ground for a couple.

A single to end the over as 8 come off it.

17:43

Need 68 off 60 balls

SA 109-1 (10 ovs) vs WI 176-8 | Scorecard

Chase continues, comes around the wicket and Markram plays the ball to mid-wicket and takes a single. He goes for a second but sends back Rickelton. A bad throw allows him to get home safely.

Rickelton then clips the ball to mid-wicket for a single.

A dot later, Markram, mishits as the ball flies off his edge to long off for a single.

Rickelton and Markram then take a single each as 5 come off it.

Ryan Rickelton is the new man in.

Motie continues and Markram and Rickelton take 5 singles as the South African skipper brings up his 50.

Rickelton ends the over with a swivel pull down to fine leg as 9 runs come off it.

17:35

De Kock out for 47

SA 95-1 (8 ovs) vs WI 176-8 | Scorecard

Chase in the attack now and after a dot, Markram takes a single.

A dot later, De Kock pulls the ball over deep mid-wicket for a six!

De Kock then pulls the next ball through to cow corner for a four!

A dot later, de Kock opens the bat face, the ball hits the inner part of the bat and goes in the air, Holder completes a catch at long on. Chase breaks the partnership and de Kock is out for 47.

Gudakesh Motie in the attack now and Markram starts the over with a couple.

A single later, de Kock stays on the back foot and pulls it over cow corner for a six!

De Kock then takes a couple to the leg side.

De Kock then drives the ball straight down the ground for a four!

A dot to end the over as 15 come off it.

17:24

De Kock-Markram go after the bowling

SA 69-0 (6 ovs) vs WI 176-8 | Scorecard

Shamar Joseph in the attack now and after a do, the short bouncer is pulled to deep mid-wicket for a six!

De Kock then slaps the widish ball through extra cover for a four!

Wide ball again and de Kock slashes at it and misses. Beaten!

Next ball is on the pads and de Kock flicks the fuller ball over deep square leg for a six!

A dot to end the over as 16 come off it.

Forde is back in the attack and Markram takes a six and a four in the over as 11 come off it. 50-run opening partnership in the over. West Indies poor in the field.

17:15

SA on the charge

SA 42-0 (4 ovs) vs WI 176-8 | Scorecard

Holder is in the attack now, he bowls on the pads and Markram plays it to short fine leg for a dot.

A wide down the leg side next.

Markram then plays the ball to midwicket for a single.

De Kock then takes a single before Markram chips the ball and it falls short of the mid-on fielder.

Markram flicks the ball, mistimes it and it to long on for a one-bounce four.

Markram then comes towards the off stump and hits the ball to fine leg for a four as 11 come off it.

Forde continues and de Kock starts the over with a single to backward point.

Two dots later, Markram creams the ball past the bowler down the ground for a four!

Markram then drives the ball uppishly as King can't get his hands to the ball in the covers, Markram gets a couple as King leaves the field with the physio.

Markram then takes a single to midwicket to end the over as 8 come off it.

17:04

Markram on song

SA 23-0 (2 ovs) vs WI 176-8 | Scorecard

Shepherd opens at the other end and he starts with a ball on middle and leg stump and Markram plays it to mid-wicket for a single.

De Kock then drives the ball straight to the fielder at cover and that is a dot.

Another dot later, de Kock cuts the ball down to backward point for a single.

Full and on the pads and Markram plays the pick up short for a six.

Markram then punches the ball through the off side for a four as 12 come off it.

Aiden Markram and De Kock come out to chase 176 and Matthew Forde opens the attack and Markran is off the mark with a four through cover point!

Markram then takes a single before De Kock gets off the mark with a single to backward point.

Markram then takes a single to long-on. De Kock then edges the ball past slip for a four to deep third man.

A dot to end the over as 11 come off it.

16:51

Shepherd-Holder put on 89-run stand

WI 176-8 (20 ovs) vs SA | Scorecard

West Indies put on 176 for 8 against South Africa in their Super 8 match in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

The Windies rallied from 83 for 7 as Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd put on an 89-run partnership to lift them past the 175-run mark.

Shepherd brought up his 50 off the last ball of the innings.

Lungi Ngidi was the pick of the bowlers for South Africa with 3 for 30.

Shepherd brings up his maiden T20I 50 with an inside edge that runs to fine leg for a four. 8 come off it.

Bosch is back in the attack and he starts with a yorker and Shepherd plays it to mid-wicket for a single.

Holder then plays the ball to deep mid-wicket for another single.

In the block hole again and Shepherd plays it to long on for a single.

Holder then gets cheeky, comes to the off side and plays the ball to short fine for a single.

A miscommunication then has Holder run out for 49 off 31. That breaks the 89-run stand.

Ngidi is back in the attack and he starts with three dots and three slower balls in a row.

Shepherd then throws his bat at it and the ball flies off the edge to third man for a four. That is a world record partnership for the 8th wicket - 84 runs off 51 balls.

Shepherd then takes a single before a dot to end the over as 5 runs come off it.

Jansen is back in the attack and the slower wide ball is lofted over long on for a six!

Wide later, Holder plays a dot.

Short ball next and Holder pulls it to square leg for a four!

Holder then slaps the ball down the ground for a six. Slower ball and short and it is punished.

Holder then whips the ball to mid-wicket for a couple.

A four to end the over as 23 come off it.

16:29

WI accelerate

WI 140-7 (17 ovs) vs SA | Scorecard

Nigidi is back in the attack and the length ball is smacked over deep square leg for a six by Shepherd to bring up the 50-run stand.

Wide ball next. Shepherd then lofts the ball over deep cover and it falls safely, the batters take a couple.

Shepherb then plays the yorker to short fine leg, dot ball. Shepherd and Holder then take a single each off the next two balls.

A dot next as Shepherd is hit on the pads, big appeal for LBW, no says the umpire. South Africa review and Ultra Edge shows there was an inside edge as he squeezed the ball into the ground. South Africa lose a review. 11 come off the over.

Bosch is back in the attack and after a dot. Shepherd pulls the ball over mid-wicket for a six!

Two dots later, Shepherd hammers the ball through extra cover for a four.

A single to long on to end the over as 11 come off it.

Maharaj continues and Shepherd hammers him for a six in the over as 9 come off it.

16:13

West Indies go past the 100-run mark

WI 109-7 (14 ovs) vs SA | Scorecard

Ngidi is back in the attack and the length ball is pulled to mid-wicket for a single to start the over.

Slower ball, in the slot next and Shepherd lofts it over the bowler for a six over long-off. That brings up West Indies' 100.

Shepherd is beaten on the cut next ball.

Back of length again and he plays it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Holder then latches on to the width and slices it past backward point for a four!

Slower ball and Holder pushes it to mid-off where Maharaj puts down a simple chance as 12 come off it.

Maharaj is back in the attack and after a dot. Holder and Shepherd take a single each off the next two balls.

Holder then misses the pull for a dot.

Holder then throws his hands at the widish ball and lucky for him, the ball flies past backward point fielder for a four!

A single to end the over as 7 come off it.

16:04

Borsh gets his 2nd

WI 90-7 (12 ovs) vs SA | Scorecard

Rabada is back in the attack and he concedes just four singles in the over.

Romario Shepherd is the new man in and after a dot, he is hit on the shoulder and goes on to hit the neck as he goes to duck under the bouncer.

He is ok and continues. He is off the mark with a couple to backward square leg.

As single to end the over as a wicket and 4 runs come off it.

Bosch is back in the attack and Holder starts the over with a single to third man.

Slower ball next on the leg side, Forde looks to play the pick up short, and the top edge flies and he is caught by the fielder running in from deep backward square leg and he is out for 11.

15:53

Ngidi gets his third

WI 82-6 (10 ovs) vs SA | Scorecard

Jansen continues and after a dot, Forde latches on to the short ball, angling across and pulls it over mid-on for a four!

The next ball is shorter and Forde is beaten on the outside edge.

Short ball again and Forde pulls it over cow corner for a six!

A dot later, Forde gets under the bouncer safely as 10 come off it.

Forde is the new man in and it is short and wide ball, the batter is beaten on the cut.

Forde is off the mark next ball with a single, with a push towards cover.

Holder is beaten on the cut next ball.

Holder then plays the ball to backward square leg for a dot. 2 runs and a wicket come off it.

Ngidi is back in the attack and Holder starts the over with a single to the leg side.

Powell then thumps the length ball straight to Brevis in the covers and he is out for 9 off 11 and West Indies are now 6 down.

15:43

West Indies lose half the side

WI 70-5 (8 ovs) vs SA | Scorecard

Maharaj is back in the attack and after a dot, Powell and Holder take three singles in the over.

Holder then gets hold of the ball in the arc and he hammers it down the ground for a six!

A single to the leg side to end the over as 10 come off it.

Jason Holder is the new man in and he starts with a dot.

Holder follows it up with another forward defence.

Another dot to end the over as a wicket and 8 runs come off it.

Medium pacer Corbin Bosch in the attack now and he starts the over with a couple towards the off side.

Shot ball next and Rutherford pulls it over deep mid-wicket for a six!

Short bouncer next, quicker ball, Rutherford mistimes the pull, gets the top edge, ball flies in the air and De Kock stays under the ball and completes a good catch. Rutherford out for 12 off 10. West Indies lose half the side.

15:34

Lose 4 in Powerplay

WI 52-4 (6 ovs) vs SA | Scorecard

Jansen is back in the attack and Rutherford starts with two dots.

Rutherford then cuts the ball uppishly as Ngidi spills the catch at 2nd slip. Rutherford gets a single to third man.

Powell then drives the ball to cover and the fielder keeps it down to a dot.

Powell then defends the ball down for a dot.

Powell then drives the half volley through mid-off for a eye-catching boundary as 5 come off it.

Sherfane Rutherford is the new man in.

Rabada continues and Powell starts the over with a single to the off side.

A dot later, Rutherford is off the mark with a couple to deep backward point.

A dot later, Rutherford gets a single to third man. A dot to end the over as 4 come off it.

15:24

Rabada, Ngidi pick two wickets a piece

WI 43-4 (4 ovs) vs SA | Scorecard

Roston Chase is the new man in and he is off the mark with a couple wide of mid-wicket.

Chase is out next ball as he inside edges the ball into the stumps and is bowled out for 2. West Indies are now 4 down inside the Powerplay.

Ngidi is in the attack now and Powell starts the over with a single towards third man.

King then leans in to the drive for a super boundary through covers.

Back-to-back boundaries for King as he hammers the widish ball through covers for a four!

Next ball is angled back in and a good length ball is edged by King as he plays the defence and the ball goes to the keeper. He is out for 21 off 11.

Rovman Powell is the new man in and he off the mark with a single towards cover point. Double success for Rabada and South Africa as two wickets and three runs come in the over.

Shimron Hetmyer is the new man in and he drives it uppishly, Bosch mistimes his jump at mid on and drops. Hetmyer gets a couple.

Hetmyer doesn't make the reprieve count as he pulls the next ball and Maharaj takes a good catch at midwicket to have Hetmyer out for 2. West Indies lose their 2nd wicket.

Rabada in the attack now and Hope is beaten on the cut first ball.

Rabada strikes next ball as he gets the ball to shape away from outside off, Hope flashes at the ball that has movement and and bounce and he is caught behind for 16 off 6.

15:11

King, Hope take to the attack!

WI 29-0 (2 ovs) vs SA | Scorecard

Jansen opens at the other end and King smashes three fours in the over as 12 come off it.

Brandon King and Shai Hope open the batting for the Windies and Keshav Maharaj opens the attack for South Africa.

Maharaj is taken to the cleaners here in the opening over as Hope pelts him for 2 sixes and a four even as King gets off the mark with a single. 17 come off the first over.

14:38

Windies win could put pressure on India

South Africa captain Aiden Markram has won the toss and elected to bowl against the West Indies in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

South Africa's familiarity with conditions holds them in good stead against their rivals today. West Indies have surprisingly dropped Akeal Hosein and brought in Roston Chase.

South Africa field an unchanged team for this contest.

Playing XIs:

West Indies: Brandon King, Shai Hope(w/c), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph

South Africa: Aiden Markram(c), Quinton de Kock(w), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi

The West Indies' big-hitting ability will face a stern test from South Africa when the two unbeaten teams square off in a Super 8 clash of the T20 World Cup in Ahmedabad on Thursday, looking to tighten their grip on a semifinal spot.

South Africa come into the contest after a commanding 76-run win over home-favourites India in Ahmedabad, while the West Indies hammered Zimbabwe by 107 runs in their previous outing in Mumbai to underline their batting firepower.

West Indies' line-up, packed with power-hitters, has shown the ability to take the game away in a matter of overs.

However, they will now be up against a balanced South African bowling attack that dismantled India here on Sunday.

It was a collective effort from the bowling unit comprising Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, whose pace variations have foxed the best of batters in the tournament thus far.

South Africa's batting too has done the job consistently. David Miller remains the crisis man for the Proteas and he showed that with a match-winning effort against India after the setbacks in the powerplay.

The contest promises intriguing individual battles. Hetmyer's aggressive strokeplay against Rabada's pace and bounce could set the tone, while Powell's ability to dominate spin will be tested by Maharaj's accuracy and changes of pace.

Miller's experience against left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein and Jansen's bounce against Brandon King at the top are other match-ups that could influence the outcome of the contest.

Unlike previous night games in Ahmedabad, an afternoon contest could present a different dynamic. The absence of dew is likely to make conditions even across both innings, reducing the toss advantage.

The surface may also be slightly drier, bringing spinners into play earlier, while the heat could test fitness and intensity in the field. Batters, too, may have to work harder for timing if the pitch slows down as the game progresses.

Having played most of their matches at the Narendra Modi Stadium, South Africa are well-settled in Ahmedabad. The Proteas have adapted well to the surface, which has offered early bounce and some grip for spinners under lights. Their understanding of the conditions could prove significant in a pressure game.

A West Indies victory could complicate matters for hosts India. It would put the Caribbean side on the brink of a semifinal spot and leave South Africa to face Zimbabwe in their final Super 8 fixture.

India, in that scenario, would need to beat both West Indies and Zimbabwe and that too by substantial margins to stay alive in the race, making this clash crucial in shaping the group dynamics.

T20 WC Super 8s India vs Zim Updates: India thrash Zim by 72 runs

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