After a hard outing against South Africa in their previous game of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, the hosts and defending champions India have made a strong comeback with a fiery batting performance in their crucial second match of the Super Eights in the tournament. While Chennai is hosting the match on Thursday night (February 26), the Men in Blues recorded the second-highest total in the T20 World Cup history

All the Indian batters performed dominantly after Zimbabwe sent the hosts to bat first at Chennai. At first, the Indian openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma provided a strong start with a 48-run partnership in just 3.4 overs, where Sanju was dismissed after scoring 24 off 15 balls (1 four and 2 sixes). 

Later, Abhishek had a 72-run partnership with Ishan Kishan for the second wicket. The opener Abhishek slammed his first T20 World Cup half-century, as the left-handed batter scored 55 off 30 balls (4 fours and 4 sixes).

While Ishan Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav had a quick 30-run partnership for the third wicket, Ishan lost his wicket after scoring 38 off 24 balls (4 fours and 1 six). Suryakumar had another small 22-run fourth wicket partnership with Hardik Pandya, before the skipper lost his wicket for 33 runs in 13 balls (3 fours and 2 sixes).

In the slog overs, Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma were brutal with an 84-run partnership for the unbroken fifth wicket. While Hardik scored 50 not out off 23 balls (2 fours and 4 sixes), Tilak slammed 44 not out off 16 balls (3 fours and 4 sixes).

While India slammed 17 sixes in the innings, the Men in Blues scored 256/4 in 20 overs, the second-highest total in the history of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. 

Highest totals in ICC Men's T20 World Cup 

• Sri Lanka 260/4 vs Kenya (2007)
• India 256/4 vs Zimbabwe (2026)
• West Indies 254/6 vs Zimbabwe (2026)
• Ireland 235/5 vs Oman (2026)
• England 230/8 vs South Africa (2016)

Meanwhile, India recorded their fifth highest T20I total in the match. 

Highest T20I totals for India

• 297/6 vs Bangladesh at Hyderabad in 2024
• 283/1 vs South Africa at Johannesburg in 2024
• 271/5 vs New Zealand at Thiruvananthapuram in 2026
• 260/5 vs Sri Lanka at Indore in 2017
• 256/4 vs Zimbabwe at Chennai in 2026

India are facing a must-win fixture against Zimbabwe in the Group 1 Super Eights of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, as Chennai is hosting this match on Thursday night (February 26). For this crucial match, Rinku Singh and Washington Sundar are not in the playing XI, while we will know the reasons here. 

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Group 1 (Super Eights), IND vs ZIM: Sanju Samson and Axar Patel return

Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to field first. While Zimbabwe made one change, hosts India made two changes in their playing XI. For India, the wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson and the spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel have replaced the middle-order batter Rinku Singh and the spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar. 

See Also: ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Group 1, Super Eights - IND vs ZIM: Toss Update and Playing XI 

IND vs ZIM: Rinku Singh and Washington Sundar are on bench

It was very expected that Axar Patel would replace Washington Sundar, as India's bet for Sundar went wrong in their last game against South Africa, where the Proteas claimed a thumping victory by 76 runs. Meanwhile, the Men in Blues have also gone with Sanju Samson, probably to make the top-order batting stronger. With Sanju's return, Rinku Singh unfortunately has to leave the spot. 

Rinku Singh recently returned home after his father's health deteriorated. However, he returned to the team before the match.

So, there is no fresh injury news for the Indian team, as both the changes are tactical for the defending champions. 

As the West Indies suffered a comfortable defeat against South Africa, the Semi-finals path is now simpler for the hosts and defending champions India, as they need to beat Zimbabwe and the West Indies to qualify for the Semi-finals. 

After India suffered a big 76-run defeat against South Africa in Group 1 of the Super Eights of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, there are some questions about India's biggest defeat by runs in the history of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. 

Biggest defeat for India in T20 World Cups (by runs)

Watch: How fans react to India's humiliating defeat against South Africa in T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash

South Africa won by 76 runs (Ahmedabad 2026)

In the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eights (Group 1), hosts and defending champions India faced South Africa at Ahmedabad, where the Men in Blues suffered a 76-run defeat, their largest losing margin by runs in ICC Men's T20 World Cup history. 

After South Africa chose to bat first, they were once struggling at 20/3. However, Dewald Brevis (45 off 29 balls), David Miller (63 off 35 balls), and Tristan Stubbs (44 not out off 24 balls) guided South Africa to the score of 187/7 in 20 overs. 

In reply, only Shivam Dube managed to score 20+ runs (43 off 37 balls), as India were bundled out for only 111 runs. David Miller won the Player of the Match for his incredible match-winning knock.  

Australia won by 49 runs (Bridgetown 2010)

In the Super 8 stage of the ICC World T20 2010, Australia beat India by 49 runs in the Group F battle. After Australia scored 184/5 in 20 overs at Bridgetown, India were bowled out for only 135 runs in 17.4 overs. 

Aussie openers Shane Watson and David Warner had a century partnership (104 runs), as Watson scored 54 off 32 balls, and the Player of the Match Warner scored 72 off 42 balls. Also, David Hussey had a cameo of 35 runs in 22 balls. 

In reply, while the middle-order batter Rohit Sharma scored 79 not out off 46 balls, Harbhajan Singh was the only other double-digit scorer with only 13 runs. Aussie pacers Dirk Nannes (3/25) and Shaun Tait (3/21) took three wickets each. 

New Zealand won by 47 runs (Nagpur 2016)

In the Super 10 stage contest of the ICC World T20 2016, hosts India faced New Zealand in Group 2 at Nagpur. In the spin-friendly wicket, while New Zealand scored 126/7 in 20 overs, India were bundled out for only 79 runs in 18.1 overs, as New Zealand won by 47 runs.  

While Corey Anderson (34) and Luke Ronchi (21) scored the 20+ runs in New Zealand's innings on the tough batting pitch, Mitchell Santner (4/11), Ish Sodhi (3/18), and Nathan McCullum (2/15) performed dominantly with the ball. Santner, who also added crucial 18 runs, won the Player of the Match award. 

As the hosts and defending champions India suffered a shocking big defeat against South Africa in their first Super Eights fixture at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in Ahmedabad on Sunday night (February 22), former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif slammed the Indian team management for the defeat.

After South Africa chose to bat first, they scored 187/7 in 20 overs, while they were once struggling at 20/3. In reply, India were bundled out for only 111 runs, as the Men in Blues lost by 76 runs, which has affected their net run rate in the Super Eight stage Group 1 points table. 

The common criticism after India's big defeat against South Africa in Super Eights of ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

One common criticism of the defeat is not playing with the all-rounder Axar Patel for the match, who is the vice-captain of the Men in Blue. Moreover, Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is the home venue for the Indian all-rounder. The Indian team made no changes in the playing XI, as Washington Sundar remained in the playing XI, who replaced Axar Patel in their last group stage game against the Netherlands. While the off-spinner Sundar bowled only two overs, conceding 17 runs without taking any wickets, he scored 11 runs off 11 balls after coming to bat at no.5, above Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Rinku Singh.   

Mohammad Kaif reminds why Axar Patel is important for India

Former Indian cricketer and U19 World Cup-winning captain Mohammad Kaif questioned India's team selection, as to how they couldn't select the vice-captain Axar Patel. 

Kaif reminded that Axar won the Player of the Match award during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 Semi-final against England, and played a very helpful knock of 47 off 31 balls while India were struggling in the Final against South Africa. The former Indian cricketer further added that the Men in Blue shouldn't break their main squad, as Axar is a part of India's strongest playing XI from the beginning of the tournament. 

🚨🚨Mohammad Kaif smashed captain & team management!!

- Axar Patel was MOTM in SF against England in last T20I WC.

- He scored crucial runs in Final against South Africa also after early collapse.

How many overs Sundar bowled? What he did with bat?pic.twitter.com/UsmLy4yktr

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) February 22, 2026

In the first Group 1 match of the Super Eights of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, South Africa thrashed the hosts and defending champions India to take strong revenge for their 2024 T20 World Cup Final defeat.

South Africa outplayed India 

Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad hosted the match on Sunday night (February 22), where South Africa chose to bat first. Struggling from 20/3, experienced David Miller (63 off 35 balls) played a great knock along with support from Dewald Brevis (45 off 29 balls) and Tristan Stubbs (44 not out off 24 balls), as Proteas scored 187/7 in 20 overs.

Indian pacers Jasprit Bumrah (3/15) and Arshdeep Singh (2/28) had strong performances, but the other bowlers struggled in the innings. 

In reply, India were never in the chase, as only the middle-order batter Shivam Dube managed to score 42 off 37 balls, as India were bundled out for only 111 runs in 18.5 overs and lost by 76 runs.  

Watch: David Miller and Washington Sundar engaged in heated altercation during IND vs SA T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash

Here are some reactions after India's humiliating defeat against South Africa in Super Eights of ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

#ICCT20WorldCup2026 | Gujarat: South Africa beat India by 76 runs at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, in a Super 8 Group 1 match.

Nilesh, a Team India supporter, says, "...They (South Africa) definitely played better, so they won. Wins and losses keep happening. The biggest… pic.twitter.com/X3ldZh4AwU

— ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2026

#WATCH | A Team South Africa supporter says, "I feel very happy. It's a win for South Africa, it's a win for all African countries. We are proud Africans. Shout-out to Rabada, shout-out to Markram. But India is our place, our home. We are very thankful; we love India...We (South… pic.twitter.com/2bO2HIgJxS

— ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2026

Ye Tha Masterstroke?
Washington Sundar In, Axar Patel Out 😱
Flop Planning by Team & Management!#INDvsSA #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/onMZx31lnI

— Sports Yaari (@YaariSports) February 22, 2026

SUSHANT MEHTA MIMICKING SURYAKUMAR YADAV 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/qhCJFFOo1r

— 𝐀. (@was_abdd) February 22, 2026

Panauti stadium 😭 #INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/Yvm47cWYDb

— Nand@n (@nandantwts) February 22, 2026

Gidte padte agar final pahuch bhi gaye to isi panauti stadium mein final khelna hoga .

Isse achcha naa hee pahuche

— Sumit (@sumitsaurabh) February 22, 2026

#WATCH | Ritesh, a Team India supporter, says, "Mistakes kept happening from the beginning till then end throughout the match. I think we were not at all prepared for Aiden Markram, their first bowler. We had never thought that a non-bowler like him could bowl like that. So, that… pic.twitter.com/TrrYaFdhU9

— ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2026

Really disappointing performance from Team India today. The batting struggles were exposed by South African bowlers, but honestly, this has been a recurring issue throughout the World Cup.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 22, 2026

Was laughing at Sri Lanka's batting performance so Team India ensured I don't.

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) February 22, 2026

Not our day, beaten by a better team. South Africa checked all the boxes tonight. Chin up Team India, it's just one of those days, you'll bounce back in the next one! #T20WorldCup #IndvsSA

— Abijeet (@Abijeet) February 22, 2026

Sometimes all you need is a wake-up call.#INDvsSA

— zomato (@zomato) February 22, 2026

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 group stage is ending, which produced many great and memorable matches. Now, it is time for the Super Eight stage, as all eight teams have been confirmed for the second stage of the tournament. Ahead of the Super Eight stage, former Pakistan fast bowler has come up with a bold prediction about the fate of the in-form Indian national cricket team, whether they will qualify for the Semi-finals or not.

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026: Super Eight stage

Co-hosts India and Sri Lanka, along with Pakistan, Zimbabwe, South Africa, New Zealand, England, and the West Indies have booked their places for the Super Eight stage of the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. These eight teams have been divided into two groups with four teams each, and this stage will run from February 21 to March 1. 

During the official schedule announcement, the Super Eight teams' placements were defined with the top eight ICC T20I rankings. So, India, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and the West Indies will challenge each other in Group 1, and the other four teams, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, England, and New Zealand, are ready to battle in Group 2. Zimbabwe are the only unseeded team among the qualified Super Eight teams, as they replaced Australia for the Super Eight qualification. India will host Group 1, while Sri Lanka will host Group 2. 

Interestingly, all the Group 1 teams finished their respective groups as champions, where Zimbabwe recorded three wins and one no result, while the other three teams won all four matches of the group stage, including South Africa recording a Super Over victory against Afghanistan.  

Similarly, Group 2 is full of runners-up in their respective groups during the group stage of the tournament. 

At the end of the Super Eight stage, the top two teams from each group will advance to the Semi-finals of the tournament.

Mohammad Amir said India couldn't qualify for Semi-finals in ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

Former Pakistan left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Amir has predicted that Team India won't qualify for the Semi-finals of the tournament. Although Group 1 is full of strong teams without losing a match in the ongoing tournament yet, the hosts and defending champions India are among the favourites for the tournament. 

BOLD PREDICTION BY AMIR...!!!!

Muhammad Amir said, "India will not qualify for the semifinals of the T20 WC 2026." pic.twitter.com/X01leL8wmF

— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) February 19, 2026

While the hosts and defending champions India were under pressure in their last group stage game of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 against the Netherlands, captain Suryakumar Yadav had an important role in handling the innings, which later experienced Shivam Dube's storm. During that crucial innings, the Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav hit an incredible six. 

India have already secured their place for the Super Eight stage in the tournament, as they will host Group 1, where they will face the challenges of South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the West Indies. On Wednesday night (February 18), in the last Group A fixture between India and the Netherlands, the Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav chose to bat first. 

Suryakumar Yadav's six ended India's boundary-less run for more than three overs

However, the Indian innings was under pressure, as the hosts were struggling at 69/3 in nine overs. There was a phase when the Men in Blue couldn't manage a boundary for 19 balls. Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav broke the shackles with an incredible six on the final ball of the 12th over. It was the key moment, as India slowly managed to make a comeback in the innings from there. 

Suryakumar Yadav breaks the shackles with a massive maximum🔥

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | #INDvNED | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/ZDDaX3A22Z pic.twitter.com/ZRvixM2gyG

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 18, 2026

Suryakumar Yadav scored crucial 34 runs

With two fours and one six, Suryakumar Yadav scored a crucial 34 runs off 28 balls. Moreover, he had a 30-run third-wicket partnership with Tilak Varma, who scored 31 off 27 balls. Meanwhile, the Indian skipper then had a 41-run fourth wicket partnership with the innings hero Shivam Dube, who later stretched the innings by scoring 66 off 31 balls with four fours and six sixes. 

Also, Hardik Pandya slammed three sixes to score 30 off 21 balls, as these crucial knocks helped India to manage the total of 193/6 in 20 overs. 

While the Indian innings was under pressure in their last group stage game of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 against the Netherlands at Ahmedabad, Shivam Dube played a heroic knock. 

In-form Men in Blues are playing against the Netherlands in the last Group A fixture, while the match has no more significant importance for the tournament, as all the Super Eight places have been booked.

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav chose to bat first after winning the toss in the match against the Netherlands. The Men in Blues have chosen the challenges before the beginning of the Super Eight challenge to defend the title.

India were once struggling at 69/3 in nine overs, when Shivam Dube joined his captain Suryakumar Yadav on the pitch. After a patient start with six runs in 11 balls, Shivam started to control the innings with his iconic big shots. 

Watch: Special gift from Team India to young fan during IND vs NED T20 World Cup 2026 Match 36

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, IND vs NED: Shivam Dube smashed giant six 

Shivam started to bash the Dutch bowlers from the 13th over, the over when the left-handed middle-order hit two sixes and one four. In the following video, we can see the second six of that over, as Shivam thrashed the ball for a giant six over wide long on after getting the ball on his slot. 

Ahmedabad-ನಲ್ಲಿ Dube ದರ್ಬಾರ್!💥💯

ವೀಕ್ಷಿಸಿ | ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup 2026 | #INDvNED | LIVE NOW | ನಿಮ್ಮ Star Sports ಕನ್ನಡ & JioHotstar ನಲ್ಲಿ.#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/9ykQPi0vku

— Star Sports Kannada (@StarSportsKan) February 18, 2026

Shivam Dube scored 66 runs

Shivam Dube slammed 66 off just 31 balls with four fours and six sixes, while Hardik Pandya also had a useful cameo of 30 in 21 balls, as India managed to score 193/6 in 20 overs. In the last five overs, India scored 75 runs, with only one over finishing with less than 10 runs (six runs in the 18th over), while they managed 20 or more runs in two overs.  

Hosts and defending champions India are busy with their last group stage game against the Netherlands in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 on Wednesday night (February 18) at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, while Team India has come with a special gift for a young cricket fan.

The India vs Netherlands match is the last Group A fixture in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. India and Pakistan both have secured their respective places for the Super Eight stage of the tournament, as all eight teams for the Super Eight have been confirmed. The Men in Blue are checking the team for the last time ahead of the bigger Super Eight challenge of the tournament, as the skipper Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and chose to bat first in the match against the Netherlands. 

T20 World Cup 2026: Why are Abhishek Sharma and Mohammad Siraj not playing today in IND vs NAM Match 18?

Watch the gift to little kid from Team India

Star Sports, the broadcaster of the tournament, has shared a short video where a little kid, wearing the Indian team jersey, is holding a cricket ball.  

The video has the caption, "Small hands, big dreams ❤️. A special gift from #TeamIndia to spark a lifelong love for cricket."

Small hands, big dreams ❤️

A special gift from #TeamIndia to spark a lifelong love for cricket.

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | #INDvNED | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/ZDDaX3zudr pic.twitter.com/0dGRusBwUs

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 18, 2026

Netherlands bowlers put strong challenge against dangerous Indian batters

At the end of the first 10 overs, India scored 74/3. Opener Abhishek Sharma was once again dismissed for a duck, as the No.1-ranked T20I batter recorded his third consecutive duck in the tournament, as he also failed to open his account against the United States of America and Pakistan, while he missed the match against Namibia due to his stomach infection. 

Also, the in-form opener Ishan Kishan scored 18 runs off seven balls, but he was unlucky to be bowled. Meanwhile, the no.3 batter Tilak Varma also played an important knock of 31 off 27 balls before losing his wicket. 

Hosts India are ready for their last group stage match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, where the Men in Blue are facing the Netherlands in Ahmedabad on Wednesday evening (February 18). Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav are on the bench for the match, and we will know the reason for their absence in the fixture. 

The Super Eight fixtures have been confirmed, with all eight teams having qualified for the next round. India have dominated in the group stage, as they defeated the United States of America by 29 runs in their tournament opener before thrashing Namibia and Pakistan by 93 runs and 61 runs, respectively. 

As hosts India have secured their Super Eight stage place, and are very likely to finish on top of the Group A points table, even if they suffer a defeat against the Netherlands on Wednesday (February 18). As the seeded team, India will participate in Group 1 in the Super Eight stage, where their other challengers will be South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the West Indies. 

See Also: ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Group A - IND vs NED: Toss Update and Playing XI

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, IND vs NED: Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel are not playing

As the Netherlands match will not affect India's status in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, the Men in Blues have gone with little experimental changes. So, both Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel have been benched to utilise the other players, not any injury-forced change.

Arshdeep Singh and Washington Sundar return

The left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has returned to the team. In India's last match against Pakistan last Sunday (February 15), while the Colombo RPS venue produced a spin-friendly pitch, Suryakumar Yadav-led India went with one extra spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, benching the left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh. However, for the Netherlands match, Arshdeep has returned to his place, while Kuldeep has to leave the place after delivering the bowling figures of 3-0-14-1.

Meanwhile, India have also benched the vice-captain Axar Patel for the match, as Washington Sundar has finally got a game time in the tournament, while it became a close to like-for-like replacement for India.