India Vs Zimbabwe Live Score, T20 World Cup 2026: Axar Patel Gets The Breakthrough, Sends Back Marumani

Axar Patel comes into the attack and he strikes immediately. CAUGHT! Marumani gets onto the back foot and tries to slices the 2nd ball over cover but he picks out Kishan inside the circle who makes no mistake. 

Tadiwanashe Marumani c Ishan Kishan b Axar Patel 20 (20)

Dion Myers walks out to bat and gets off the mark with a single. Axar does well to give away just 4 runs and walk away with a wicket in the over.

The Indian vice-captain is wasting no time in reminding the team management why he deserves a spot in the Playing XI.

Zimbabwe 48/1 after 7 overs. 

Varun Chakravarthy comes into the attack and he's welcomed with a brilliant reverse-sweep by Marumani who sends the 1st ball flying over deep point for SIX. Chakravarthy switches to over the wicket post that and uses his sliders as Marumani tries again but fails to connect with the reverse-sweep. 

DROPPED! Marumani connects with a conventional slog-sweep but doesn't connect cleanly as it goes high towards long-on. Rinku runs back from inside the circle and gets to the ball but it doesn't stick. 

Bennett pulls the last ball over midwicket for 2 runs. 11 runs come off the over. 

Zimbabwe 44/0 after 6 overs.

Finally Jasprit Bumrah comes into the attack and surprisingly he's the bowler that Brian Bennett decides to take on. 

Bennett gets onto the back foot and whips the 2nd ball over deep square leg for FOUR. Bumrah responds with two dots in a row. Bennett then gets onto the front foot and this time lofts the 4th delivery straight down the ground for another FOUR. 

ALMOST! Bumrah almost has his revenge as he sends down a searing yorker on the final delivery. Bennett does well to dig it out and then reacts sharply as he turns around and kicks the ball away before it could hit the stumps. 8 runs come off the over. 

Zimbabwe 33/0 after 5 overs. 

The Zimbabwe openers aren't able to find any gaps in the field as Hardik continues to stick to the back of length area. The constant variation in pace keeps the batters guessing as they only manage 6 runs off the over. 

The asking rate is climbing for Zimbabwe with the Required Run Rate going up to 14.50 per over. 

Zimbabwe 25/0 after 4 overs. 

Arshdeep does well initially in the over as he gives away just 5 runs off the first 5 balls. Bennett decides he's waited too long as he walks out on the last delivery and slaps it over mid-off to find the boundary for FOUR. 

9 runs come off the over. 

Zimbabwe 19/0 after 3 overs. 

Hardik Pandya comes into the attack and Marumani decides to take him on as he goes for the pull but sees the ball fly off the top-edge to fly back over the keeper and the boundary ropes for SIX. 

Hardik responds brilliantly as he sticks to a shorter length and dishes out five consecutive dot balls to close out the over. Just 6 runs come off the over. 

Zimbabwe 10/0 after 2 overs. 

Both Zimbabwe openers get off the mark with singles off the first two balls. Beaten! The 3rd delivery is a zippy one outside off and Bennett has a big swing but misses completely. 

Bennett heaves at the next delivery but it comes off the inside edge as they get 2 runs. Arshdeep ends the over brilliantly with two dots as Bennett cannot connect cleanly. 

Just 4 runs come off the over. 

Zimbabwe 4/0 after the first over. 

Zimbabwe's opening pair of Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani walk out to begin the chase. India have handed the new ball to Arshdeep to open the attack with Bennett on strike. 

It was a statement performance by India as they post their highest-ever World Cup total and the highest team total of this edition of the tournament. 

It started with the change up top paying dividends with Sanju Samson providing an early boost. Abhishek Sharma's return to form will be a welcome sight for Indian fans as he posted his maiden T20 World Cup half-century. 

All of the Indian batters made sizeable contributions with Hardik Pandya also reaching a half-century off just 23 balls. 

Zimbabwe will need to play out of their skins against a talented Indian bowling attack to come away with anything here. 

Brad Evans comes in for the final over of the game and does well to give away just 3 runs off the first 4 balls. He just about misses his length when going for the yorker on the 5th delivery and this time Hardik smokes it straight down the ground for a flat SIX. 

The last ball is a slower bouncer outside off and this time Hardik pulls it over deep square leg for back-to-back SIXES. That also brings up the FIFTY for Hardik off just 23 balls. 

It's India's highest-ever World Cup total and also the highest total overall in this edition of the tournament. 

India 256/4 after 20 overs. 

Richard Ngarava is back into the attack and it's not a happy return for the pacer. He starts off with a wide and sees the 1st legal delivery pulled by Hardik for FOUR.

Tilak digs out a yorker on the 3rd delivery for 2 runs. He then tears into Ngarava hitting BACK-TO-BACK SIXES off the next two balls. Zimbabwe are being put under the pump by India who seem determined to make a statement following that defeat to South Africa. 

India 241/4 after 19 overs. 

Hardik spots the slower ball by Muzarabani on the 1st delivery and swipes it over midwicket for SIX. Tilak isn't going to be left behind as he slices the 3rd ball past backward point for FOUR. 

Tilak isn't done yet as he swings hard on the final delivery to send the slower ball flying down the ground for SIX. This is now India's highest total in T20 World Cups with two overs to go. 

India 220/4 after 18 overs. 

Brad Evans returns to the attack and starts off with a wide. He then goes full onto the stumps and Hardik takes a big swipe but gets lucky to see a thick inside edge escape for FOUR. 

The 4th delivery is full outside off and this time Tilak reaches out to loft it beautifully over extra cover for SIX. Evans responds well to close out the over with two dots but 14 runs still come off the over. 

India sail past the 200-run mark and seem set to reach their highest total in this edition of the tournament. 

India 201/4 after 17 overs. 

Blessing Muzarabani returns to the attack. There's an overthrow on the 1st delivery as Hardik comes back for a second. He then punches the 2nd ball for a single. Tilak meanwhile doesn't need any time to settle down as he gets low and scoops the 3rd ball over the keeper for FOUR.

Muzarabani does well to give away just 4 runs off the next 3 balls. 11 runs come off the over. 

India 187/4 after 16 overs.  

Richard Ngarava coems back into the attack and Hardik cuts the 1st delivery past extra cover for 2 runs. He chops the next ball to third man for a single. 

Suryakumar clears his front foot and launches the 3rd ball high over midwicket for SIX. He slices hard at the next ball but it's good work in the deep to keep them down to 2 runs. 

CAUGHT! Tashinga Musekiwa makes up for his earlier error as Suryakumar doesn't connect well with the attempted cut shot sending it high towards sweeper cover. Musekiwa comes running in and this time takes a good safe catch. The Indian captain departs after a blazing cameo. 

Suryakumar Yadav c Tashinga Musekiwa b Richard Ngarava 33 (13) 

Tilalk Varma walks out to bat and gets off the mark in style as he slaps the last ball past point for FOUR. 

India 176/4 after 15 overs.

Ryan Burl, right-arm leg break, comes into the attack and is welcomed by a pumped up Hardik who sends the 2nd ball flying over long-on for SIX. 

ALMOST! Hardik looks to launch the last ball over the ropes again but doesn't get enough on it. Raza comes running across at the edge of the ropes and takes a brilliant leaping one-handed catch but his momentum carries him beyond the ropes and the Zimbabwe captain shows great awareness to throw the ball back in the ball and prevent the boundary but cannot complete the catch. 

India 161/3 after 14 overs. 

Suryakumar Yadav looks in fine touch out in the middle as he welcomes back Tinotenda Maposa with a vicous slice for FOUR. He then skips down the track and lofts the next ball over mid-off for SIX. Suryakumar miscues the sweep on the 3rd ball as they get a single. 

The 4th ball is a slower delivery but it doesn't matter to Abhishek who thumps it down the ground for FOUR. 

CAUGHT! Captain Raza has a word with the bowler and it seems to pay off as he sends down a slower one again but fires it well outside off. Abhishek reaches out to launch it over the ropes but only sends it towards long-on where Raza takes a sharp catch. 

Abhishek Sharma c Sikandar Raza b Tinotenda Maposa 55 (30)

Hardik Pandya walks out to bat and gets off the mark with a single. 17 runs come off the over. 

India 151/3 after 13 overs. 

Zimbabwe cannot afford to be sloppy in the field as India look set to make them rue their mistakes. Brad Evans comes back into the attack and does well to give away just 4 runs off the first 4 balls. 

DROPPED! The 5th delivery is full onto the pads and Suryakumar flicks it high towards deep fine leg. Muzarabani is the man there and he should've taken it but somehow the ball slips right past under him for FOUR. 9 runs come off the over. 

India 134/2 after 12 overs. 

Abhishek flicks the 1st delivery from Raza through midwicket to bring up his FIFTY! That's a welcome return to form for the Indian opener who has had a torrid time in the tournament with three back-to-back ducks early on. 

Kishan then steps on the gas as he slashes at the 2nd delivery to send it racing for FOUR. He then steps out and smokes the 3rd ball down the ground for SIX. 

CAUGHT! Raza has the last laugh though as he finds some grip and gets one to turn as Kishan goes for the cut but hits it straight to the man at backward point. 

Ishan Kishan c Richard Ngarava b Sikandar Raza 38 (24)

Suryakumar Yadav walks out to bat and gets off the mark immediately with a sweep for FOUR. 16 runs come off the over. 

India 125/2 after 11 overs. 

DROPPED! Musekiwa had a torrid time in the field against West Indies and somehow the ball seems to find him as Kishan goes for the switch hit and sends the 1st ball flying towards him in the deep. Musekiwa comes running in and puts in a dive but the ball slips right through his palms. 

Abhishek meanwhile charges down the track on the next ball and smokes it over long-on for SIX. The batters then grab singles off the next three balls. 10 runs come off the over. 

India 109/1 after 10 overs. 

Kishan tries to cut loose as he dances down the track and swipes hard at the 1st delivery getting enough on it to send it racing for FOUR. 

Raza responds well to that as he varies his lengths giving away just 5 runs off the next 5 balls. 9 runs come off the over. 

India 99/1 after 9 overs. 

Brian Bennett, right-arm off break comes in from the other end. 

Again India continue to be tentative against off-spin as both batters only grab singles in the over. Just 6 runs come off it. 

India 90/1 after 8 overs. 

Zimbabwe Captain Sikandar Raza comes into the attack post the powerplay and just stops the flow of boundaries. 

He gives away just 4 runs that come through singles in the over. India have struggled against off-break and they seem to take a tentative approach against Raza for now. 

India 84/1 after 7 overs. 

Richard Ngarava comes back into the attack and is taken to the cleaners as India look determined to end the powerplay on a strong note. 

The 1st ball is a juicy full toss and Kishan slaps it over short cover for FOUR. He then pulls the 3rd delivery and gets lucky as it flies off the top edge but lands safely for 2 runs. The 4th ball is a slower delivery and this time Kishan helps it past short fine leg for FOUR. He then flicks the 5th delivery for a single. 

Abhishek plays a late lofted drive on the final delivery to send it flying straight down the ground for SIX. 17 runs come off the over. 

India 80/1 after 6 overs.

This is a welcome sight for Team India fans as Abhishek Sharma seems to be finding his mojo again. 

Brad Evans comes into the attack and pitches it short to Abhishek on the 3rd delivery which is sent flying over cow corner for a massive SIX. The 5th delivery is full and wide outside off and this time Abhishek slogs hard but only gets a thick inside edge that escapes past the keeper for FOUR. 

14 runs come off the over. 

India 63/1 after 5 overs. 

Blessing Muzarabani shows why he's been one of the top bowlers of this tournament as he strikes back in his second over to end Samson's blistering start. He starts the over by giving away just 2 runs off the first 3 balls. 

CAUGHT! The 4th delivery is a slower short ball and Samson rocks onto his back foot to pull it over midwicket but he doesn't connect well as Ryan Burl goes charging back towards the ropes and takes a good catch. 

Sanju Samson c Ryan Burl b Blessing Muzarabani 24 (15) 

Ishan Kishan walks out to bat and gets off the mark with a single off the last ball. Great comeback over from Muzarabani as he gives away just 3 runs and gets a wicket. 

India 49/1 after the first over. 

Tinotenda Maposa who is playing his first game of the tournament comes into the attack and the nerves show instantly. 

The first delivery is good as it brushes the pads of Abhishek down leg on the way to the keeper. However, the next ball is full outside off and this time Abhishek lofts it over cover for FOUR. The siren goes off post that delivery signalling a no-ball and free-hit. Maposa sends down two wides before finally delivering a legal free-hit delivery that Abhishek lifts back over the bowler's head for FOUR. 

Abhishek pulls next delivery for a single. Samson continues his carnage as he slices hard at the 4th delivery to send it racing for FOUR. Maposa nails the wide yorker on the 5th delivery that Samson digs out for a single. Abhishek seems keen to make up for lost time himself as he slogs on the last ball sending it flying over long-on for SIX. 

India 46/0 after 3 overs. 

The tournament's second-highest wicket-taker Blessing Muzarabani (11 wickets) comes into the attack. Samson cuts the 2nd ball past point for a quick single. Abhishek then middles a drive on the 3rd delivery to get off the mark. 

The 4th ball is banged in short and this time Samson slaps it with disdain, sending the ball flying over long-on for SIX. The local lad is keen to make a mark here as he punches the final delivery past cover for 2 runs. 

10 runs come off the over. 

India 23/0 after 2 overs.

Sanju Samson looks set to make the most of his opportunity in front of an adoring home crowd. He gets off the mark with a beautiful hit, sending the 2nd delivery flying back over the bowler's head for a SIX. 

The next ball brushes off the pads to beat the man at short fine leg for FOUR leg byes. Samson then heaves at the 5th delivery but doesn't connect cleanly enough as it lands safely for 2 runs. He flicks the last ball to deep square leg for a single to retain strike. 

India 13/0 after the first over. 

Huge cheer goes up in the Chepauk again as Sanju Samson walks out to open alongside Abhishek Sharma. It's the old pair reunited for Team India and if they get going then we're in for a big total. 

Richard Ngarava has the new ball in hand for The Chevrons with Samson on strike. 

The players walk out in two files for the national anthems. It's Zimbabwe's first followed by India. Stay tuned we're just moments away from the first over! 

South Africa's demolition job over the West Indies has cleared India's path to the Semifinals.

If India defeat Zimbabwe in Chennai, it would turn the men in blue's match against West Indies at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 1 into a virtual quarterfinal.

Read The Full Story: T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-Final Scenarios: How South Africa Win Boosts India's Chances

Here's what the captains had to say at the Toss.

Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe Captain): We're going to have a bowl. Not your usual Chennai wicket. Looks moist, want to give the best chance to the seamers. If we can restrict India to a low total, will go a long way. As much as we're feeling the heat, our opposition will be feeling the same. It's holding on alright. One tactical change, Cremer misses out, Tinotenda Maposa comes in.

Suryakumar Yadav (India Captain): Happy with the decision, were looking to bat first. Boys are ready. Mood in the camp is relaxed. The way he spoke in the huddle (Hardik), experienced player, he knows what he brings to the table. Team required that and I think we'll have a good day tonight. Even if you win or lose, you learn something out of it. Just forget what happened in the last game. Play the same way as you've been playing last whole year. Enjoy the game and forget everything. Be fearless. Two changes: Axar comes in for Washington, Samson comes in for Rinku. Sanju will keep.

There's a huge roar that goes up in Chepauk when Suryakumar Yadav announces that local lad Sanju Samson returns to the Playing XI. India have made two changes with vice-captain Axar Patel coming in for Washington and Samson comes in for Rinku Singh.

Zimbabwe make one change with Tinotenda Maposa coming in to replace Graeme Cremer. 

India (Playing XI): Sanju Samson (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy and Jasprit Bumrah.

Zimbabwe (Playing XI): Tadiwanashe Marumani (WK), Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza (C), Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava.
 

Zimbabwe have opted to have a bowl first at Chepauk. Suryakumar says he's happy with the decision as India were looking to bat first. 

Remember, India have won all their games batting first, with their only defeat coming against South Africa when they were forced to chase. 

Speaking on the Pitch and Conditions at the Chepauk Stadium, here's what Katey Martin and Dinesh Karthik had to say:

There is a nice cool breeze coming across, which is probably the coolest conditions you get in Chennai at this time of the year. The wicket is smack bang in the middle, so from a dimensions perspective it is even square — 67 metres on both sides — and a good 77 metres straight down the ground. Players don’t really care about the boundary rope, though; they just look for the stands. It’s a black soil pitch with enough in it for the bowlers to work with in terms of slowness. It’s not the green tinge we saw in the previous game between Afghanistan and New Zealand, but the batters are still going to have a good time and will be happy with the kind of score they put up. What has really worked here are slower balls. If the fast bowlers give it good revs into the pitch, it tends to grip and stop on the batter. With the square boundaries being quite big, it gives them plenty of room to work with. Ideally, if you don’t get above 170, you’ll be struggling because this pitch has been excellent for batting and one of the higher-scoring surfaces in this World Cup so far. It’s a must-win clash for both sides, and it will be fascinating to see who comes out on top.

The Proteas, led by their captain Aiden Markram (82* off 46 balls) have beaten the West Indies with 9 wickets and 23 balls to spare as they join England as the second team in the tournament to secure a semifinal berth. 

The win also gives India a massive boost as they are now 'Masters of their Own Fate' in their bid to qualify for the knockouts. Suryakumar Yadav's men need two wins from their remaining two games, starting against Zimbabwe tonight, to progress to the semifinals. 

Aiden Markram (77* off 44 balls) and Ryan Rickelton (38* off 22 balls) have put the Proteas within touching distance of securing their semifinal berth as they zero in on their second victory of the Super 8 stage in Ahmedabad. 

South Africa need just 14 balls now from 30 deliveries. 

South Africa 163/1 after 15 overs. 

As India arrives at the MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk) for this do-or-die encounter, the team management is grappling with two major tactical dilemmas: how to break a left-hander heavy top order and which spin combination can best exploit a "fresh" Chennai surface.

Is it Sanju Samson’s Time? India’s batting has been under fire for being "tactically predictable," with a top order dominated by lefties (Abhishek, Kishan, Tilak). To counter Zimbabwe’s off-spin threat, led by the dangerous Sikandar Raza, there is a strong push to bring in Sanju Samson. Samson has been a focus of intense net sessions in Chennai and is the frontrunner to replace either Abhishek Sharma or Tilak Varma.

Rinku Singh Update: After flying home to attend to his father’s medical emergency, Rinku rejoined the squad on Wednesday evening. While he is available, his lack of practice over the last 48 hours and his underwhelming tournament form (24 runs in 5 games) make him a primary candidate to be rested if India opts for the Samson-plus-Axar combination.

Axar vs. Kuldeep: The Spin Strategy
Vice-captain Axar Patel is almost certain to return to the XI. His omission in the previous match against South Africa was widely questioned, and his match-up utility against Zimbabwe's right-handed core makes him more attractive than local favourite Washington Sundar.

The real intrigue lies with Kuldeep Yadav. While Chepauk is traditionally a spinner's paradise, this specific "fresh" track has been a batter’s dream, with an average score of 187. If India wants to "bowl their way" to an NRR-boosting win, they may consider playing Kuldeep alongside Varun Chakravarthy, potentially at the expense of a second seamer, though the humid conditions usually favour sticking with the pace of Arshdeep and Bumrah.

Aiden Markram has brought up his half-century, racing to 53* runs off just 31 balls to put his team in the driver's seat. Quinton de Kock picked up the scoring from the final over of the powerplay but ultimately was sent back in the 8th over by Roston Chase. The Windies spinner got de Kock (47 off 24 balls) caught at long-on breaking the 95-run opening stand. 

However, it all seems 'too little too late' as South Africa have brought the equation down to nearly a run-a-ball scenario with 68 runs needed off 60 balls. 

It's great news for Team India fans as a Windies defeat would leave them with their fate in their own hands. 

South Africa 109/1 after 10 overs. 

India's Rinku Singh has left the ICC Men's T20 World Cup camp following a serious health emergency involving his father. His father, who is battling stage-4 liver cancer, is currently on ventilator support, according to an NDTV report. 

Read the full story here - What Happened To Rinku Singh's Father? India Player Leaves T20 World Cup Camp Due To Family Emergency

The South African captain is in a mighty hurry to get to the semifinals, starting his innings with a vicious cut to find the boundary on the very first ball and he's been scoring at a canter in the powerplay. Aiden Markram has raced to 43* runs off just 20 balls having hit 6 fours and 2 sixes.

In stark contrast, Quinton de Kock has just 9* runs from off 11 balls, largely playing the role of spectator as his captain takes charge. The Proteas now need 124 runs from 90 balls after that quick start. 

South Africa 53/0 after five overs. 

For those of you just catching up on the tournament, here's a breakdown into how India and Zimbabwe have fared so far in the tournament. 

India’s journey to Chennai has been a tale of two halves. It began with a flawless, unbeaten run through the group stages followed by a jarring reality check.

After dominating Group A with four straight wins, including a clinical 61-run victory over Pakistan, the defending champions entered the Super 8s as heavy favourites. However, that momentum came to a screeching halt in Ahmedabad last Sunday. The Proteas exploited India’s middle-order vulnerabilities, bowling them out for just 111 after scoring 187/7 themselves, to secure a massive 76-run win.

That defeat didn't just end India’s record 12-match T20 World Cup winning streak, but it left them with significant damage to their NRR (-3.800), turning today’s fixture into an absolute must-win. 

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, arrives as the tournament’s favourite Underdog story, having undergone a radical 24-month transformation after failing to qualify for the 2024 edition. The "Chevrons" stunned the cricketing world by topping Group B, securing historic wins against both Australia and co-hosts Sri Lanka.

However, they were brought back to earth by the West Indies in their Super 8 opener, conceding a massive 254 runs before being bowled out for just 147, leaving them with a NRR that's worse that India's at -5.350. That doesn't take anything away from the African nation who still remains a dangerous, tactically disciplined side.

Led by the evergreen Sikandar Raza and bolstered by one of the tournament's standout pacer Blessing Muzarabani (11 wickets), Zimbabwe aren't just here to make up the numbers.

South Africa had West Indies on the ropes in their Super 8 clash at Ahmedabad, with the Men in Maroon struggling at 83/7 in the 11th over. However, an impressive 89-run stand off just 57 balls for the 8th wicket by Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd has given the Windies some hope in this game. 

Holder (49) and Shepherd (52*) were the only men to post significant contributions with Brandon King (21) the next highest scorer as West Indies reached 176/8 after 20 overs. It was Shepherd's maiden T20I fifty, which along with Holder's contribution could prove massively significant. 

Lungi Ngidi was the chief tormentor for the Windies with 3/30 with Kagiso Rabada (2/22) and Corbin Bosch (2/31) the other bowlers who chipped in with wickets. 

Marco Jansen was expensive, going for 23 runs in his final over as he finished wicketless with figures of 0/50. 

India’s survival in the 2026 T20 World Cup now hinges on a complex war on two fronts involving both on-field dominance and external results. Following their 76-run hammering by South Africa, the Men in Blue sit in third place of Group 1 with a Net Run Rate of -3.800. To advance, India essentially needs two things to happen:

Firstly, the Net Run Rate: If India bat first against Zimbabwe, they need to win by at least 77 runs to move their NRR into positive territory after two Super 8 matches. If India bat second the math gets more complicated as they'll need to win with overs to spare to boost their NRR. The chase will have to be aggressive and almost one-sided to bring their NRR into the positive. 

Second, a Windies Defeat: India's chances take a massive boost if the West Indies falter. Currently, the Proteas are doing India a massive favor in Ahmedabad, having reduced the Windies to a shaky 129/7 in 16 overs. If the Windies lose that will keep them on 2 points, which India can match if they win against Zimbabwe. That would turn their final Super 8 outing against the West Indies into a straight-forward knockout game on March 1.