India script history, recotd their highest-ever total in T20 World Cups after run-fest against Zimbabwe

India and Zimbabwe faced off in a high-stakes encounter during Game 48 of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on February 26.

India notch their highest T20 World Cup total

After losing the toss and being sent in to bat, the Men in Blue were under immense pressure following their recent Super 8 defeat to South Africa. However, the team responded with a historic performance, overcoming the challenging Chennai conditions to post their highest-ever total in T20 World Cup history. i.e 256/4.

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The innings began with a new-look opening pair as Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma took to the crease. Samson provided an aggressive spark with a quick 24 off 15 balls, while Abhishek silenced critics with a dominant half-century, smashing 55 runs from just 30 deliveries. Their platform allowed the middle order to play with complete freedom, maintaining a relentless scoring rate throughout the powerplay and beyond.

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The momentum continued as Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav played vital cameos, scoring 38 and 33 runs respectively at a blistering pace. The finishing touches were provided by Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma, who remained unbeaten with 50 and 44 runs. Their late-innings explosion propelled India to a massive total of 256, marking the second-highest score ever recorded in the history of the T20 World Cup.

Highest total in T20 World Cups:

260/6 SL vs Ken Joburg 2007
256/4 Ind vs Zim Chennai 2026 *
254/6 WI vs Zim Wankhede 2026
235/5 Ire vs Oman Colombo SSC 2026
230/8 Eng vs SA Wankhede 2016
229/4 SA vs Eng Wankhede 2016