India batting comes back to life, keeps T20 World Cup campaign alive
Times of India
by SAHIL MALHOTRAFebruary 26, 2026
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India’s batting came alive in a crucial match against Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup, delivering their second-highest total in tournament history. The Men in Blue scored 256/4, showcasing strong powerplay, intent in middle overs, and an explosive finish highlighted by Hardik Pandya’s sixes. This victory was a must-win clash as India demonstrated improved batting intent and adaptability, particularly with the return of key players like Samson and Abhishek Sharma. The partnership at the top of the order worked wonders, forcing Zimbabwe to avoid off-spin bowling initially and capitalizing on their mistakes.
The match also saw Tilak Varma returning to form with a fluent 44 off 16 balls, while Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan contributed significantly. The bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah, kept the pressure on Zimbabwe, who were restricted to 184/6. India’s strategic adjustments, including better shot selection and intelligent scoring areas, helped them overcome previous middle-over struggles. Abhishek Sharma’s crucial fifty and the team’s ability to handle off-spin bowling effectively were key factors in their success.
This victory is vital for India’s T20 World Cup campaign as they aim to defend their title and become the first team to win back-to-back tournaments. With this win, India has positioned themselves well ahead of the semi-finals. The performance
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/26/2026