India made their T20 world cup 2026 still alive by defeating Zimbabwe by 72 runs in Chennai, and this outcome, combined with South Africa beating West Indies gave the Sunday game the status of a virtual quarter final.
A dismal performance in their game against South Africa was followed by an illustrious performance by India. Being requested to open the bat, they delivered their best batting performance of the tournament with 256/4, the second highest in the history of the T20 world cup. Sanju Samson, who was promoted back to the top, struck two sixes in the first two overs and Abhishek Sharma eventually got into pace after a lean run.
Ishan Kishan and Abhishek followed by Suryakumar Yadav made sure that Zimbabwe never rose to the surface even after Samson had fallen. The 55 made by Abhishek off 30 balls was his maiden T20 world cup fifty, and it was very timely considering his performance in the tournament prior to the 55.
Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya shredded the bowling attack and made 80 runs in the last five overs. Unbeaten 50 by Hardik on only 23 balls helped India go above 250, as 17 sixes were hit in total. Zimbabwe never had an intention of attacking the 257 target. Brian Bennett had his fair share as he battled with an unbeaten 97 but India was too bright with the ball and the outcome was not left in question.
South Africa had earlier in the day thrashed West Indies by nine wickets, a fact that not only solidified the Proteas semifinal position but also impacted on the net run rate of West Indies. That made the situation of India much more straightforward. The India-West Indies crisis in Kolkata is now a knockout. The victor will be advanced to four points and win a semifinal spot. The net run rate will not be significant as long as India merely defeated West Indies.
The home team also has an external possibility of leading the group. To that end, they have to convincingly defeat the West Indies by a tremendous margin and wish Zimbabwe to win a surprise overall victory over South Africa. It is only then that net run rate could play into the top.
Updated Points Table (Super 8 Group 1)
| SR.No | Team | Played | Win | Loss | No Result | Points | Net Run Rate |
| 1 | South Africa (Q) | 02 | 02 | 00 | 00 | 04 | +2.890 |
| 2 | West Indies | 02 | 01 | 01 | 00 | 02 | +1.791 |
| 3 | India | 02 | 01 | 01 | 00 | 02 | -0.100 |
| 4 | Zimbabwe (E) | 02 | 00 | 02 | 00 | 00 | -4.475 |
