Team India have put on a belligerent batting performance in what looms as a must-win clash for them against Zimbabwe in Chennai in the Super 8 stage of T20 World Cup 2026. Having amassed 256/4 in their stipulated 20 overs, fans have lauded the defending champions for bouncing back strongly after their batting collapse against South Africa in Ahmedabad.
Team India’s total only second to Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup history
The Men in Blue’s total of 256 not only broke their 19-year-old record of the highest total in T20 World Cup history, going past the score of 218 mustered against England in the 2007 edition. It is also the leading total in the ongoing edition, surpassing West Indies’ tally of 254 against the same opponent. Additionally, the defending champions’ 256/4 is the second-highest total in T20 World Cup history, behind Sri Lanka’s 260 in the inaugural edition.
While Sanju Samson set the wheels in motion for the steep total, the likes of Abhishek Sharma (55), Ishan Kishan (38), Suryakumar Yadav (33), Hardik Pandya (50*) and Tilak Varma (44*) fully capitalised on it. The opening partnership between Samson and Abhishek was worth 48 in 3.4 overs. They eventually finished with 256/4 in 20 overs.
Here’s how the netizens reacted to Team India’s power-packed batting performance:
“Zimbabwe: ‘We’ll bowl first.’
India: ‘Appreciate the confidence.’ 💀 256 later, that decision needs its own apology letter 😂🏏 #LeafsForever #GoBolts #INDvsZIM #SAvsWI #T20WorldCup2026— Abubakar | Model & Digital Influencer (@ItsAbubakarDigi) February 26, 2026
India scored 256/4.
Bhai maarte hain to sab maarte hain,
Nahi maarte to sab out ho jate hain.
Ab bas knockout stage me bhi acha khele to thik hai.#INDvsZIM— Lokesh (@itzlokesh13) February 26, 2026
RECORD-BREAKING INDIA! 🇮🇳
India posts a massive 256/4 against Zimbabwe, the 2nd highest total in T20 WC history! 🚀 Abhishek Sharma & the middle order went berserk in Chennai.#T20WorldCup #INDvZIM #TeamIndia #T20Cricket #InsideFieldSports pic.twitter.com/ttKNpEAnEd
— Inside Field Sports (@IFSPORT_) February 26, 2026
🚨 RECORD BREAKERS! INDIA POST 256/4 – THEIR HIGHEST T20 WORLD CUP TOTAL! 🚨
🇮🇳 Abhishek: 55(30)
🇮🇳 Hardik: 50(23)
🇮🇳 Tilak: 44(16)
🇮🇳 Ishan: 38(24)
🇮🇳 SKY: 33(13)
🇮🇳 Sanju: 24(15)#INDvsZIM pic.twitter.com/TQDLfIZW3J— Cricket With RS (@badkebhai) February 26, 2026
Hardik Pandya just shut everyone up
50* (23) | fours & sixes
Finishes with back-to-back sixes to reach fifty
India 256/4 – highest WC total!
MVP stuff when it mattered most #TeamIndia #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/vZxYEWpfgu— Mayank Solanki (@mr_mayanksolank) February 26, 2026
80 in 6 overs 150 in 12.4 overs ,
201 in 16.4 overs ,
The target set against England in the 2007 T20 World Cup was 218.
This was broken after 19 years, with India scoring 256 today.#INDvsZIM pic.twitter.com/dd3YZnzhdQ
— Dharm (@dhram00) February 26, 2026
Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya keep the leash on Zimbabwe openers
While Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya have not picked up a wicket yet, they haven’t let the Zimbabwe batters get away either. With the Men in Blue possessing some world-class bowlers, the African nation will need to produce something extremely special to run down the target.
Both Team India and Zimbabwe are in a must-win territory after their heavy losses to South Africa and West Indies, respectively in their first Super 8 games. Should Zimbabwe lose today, they will be eliminated from the semi-final race. An India victory will make their fixture against the West Indies on Sunday a virtual quarter-final.
West Indies’ winning run came to a halt after South Africa beat them earlier on Thursday in Ahmedabad.
