LIVELatest Sports News LIVE updates : Hardik, Tilak fireworks propel India to massive 256/4,South Africa grabs a nine-wicket win over West Indies; check all updates

Hardik, Tilak fireworks propel India to massive 256/4 against Zimbabwe

India posted a commanding 256/4 in 20 overs after being sent in, finishing at a staggering run rate of 12.8. Abhishek Sharma set the platform with a blistering 55 off 30, while Ishan Kishan added 38 and Suryakumar Yadav struck 33 off just 13 balls. The late onslaught came from Hardik Pandya, who hammered an unbeaten 50 off 23 deliveries, and Tilak Varma, whose explosive 44* off 16 lifted the total beyond 250. Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled under sustained assault, with Richard Ngarava conceding 62 runs. India’s dominant batting display leaves Zimbabwe facing a daunting chase.

Abhishek, Ishan power India to 150/3 in 12.5 overs

India surged to 150/3 in 12.5 overs after Zimbabwe opted to bowl, maintaining a strong run rate of 11.69. Abhishek Sharma led the charge with a fluent 55 off 30 balls, striking four fours and four sixes before falling to Tinotenda Maposa. Ishan Kishan contributed a brisk 38 off 24, while Suryakumar Yadav accelerated with 24 off just nine deliveries to keep the momentum intact. Earlier, Sanju Samson made 24 at the top. Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled for control, with Maposa proving expensive. With Hardik Pandya and several power-hitters to follow, India are well placed for a formidable total.

India off to flying start after Zimbabwe opt to bowl

India raced to 49/1 in four overs after Zimbabwe chose to field first, scoring at an impressive 12.25 runs per over. Sanju Samson provided early impetus with 24 off 15 before falling to Blessing Muzarabani. Abhishek Sharma has maintained the tempo, smashing 17 off just eight deliveries, while Ishan Kishan has just settled in. Zimbabwe’s bowlers have struggled to contain the flow, with Tinotenda Maposa conceding 23 in a single over. With a deep batting line-up including Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya still to come, India appear well placed for a substantial powerplay total.

Zimbabwe opt to field; India ring in two changes

Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to field first, backing their chasing approach. They are without Graeme Cremer, who misses out from the XI. India has made two tactical changes: Axar Patel replaces Washington Sundar to strengthen the spin-bowling all-round option, while Sanju Samson comes in for Rinku Singh. Samson will also take over wicketkeeping duties, adding flexibility to the batting order. The adjustments suggest India is aiming for a better balance across departments, particularly in the middle overs with Axar’s control and Samson’s ability to accelerate against pace and spin.

Markram’s unbeaten 82 powers South Africa to a nine-wicket win over West Indies

South Africa completed a dominant nine-wicket victory, chasing 177 in just 16.1 overs after restricting West Indies to 176/8. Aiden Markram anchored the innings with a commanding unbeaten 82 off 46 balls, striking seven fours and four sixes. Quinton de Kock provided early momentum with a brisk 47 off 24, while Ryan Rickelton sealed the chase with an unbeaten 45 off 28. The Proteas maintained a high tempo throughout, finishing at 177/1 with ease. West Indies’ bowlers struggled for breakthroughs, with Roston Chase claiming the lone wicket as South Africa outclassed them comprehensively.

Markram, de Kock dominate as South Africa close in on 177

South Africa are firmly in control at 110/1 in 10.3 overs, needing just 67 runs from 57 balls to chase down 176. Aiden Markram leads the charge with a commanding 54 off 33 deliveries, striking six fours and two sixes. Quinton de Kock set the tone earlier with a blistering 47 off 24 before falling to Roston Chase. The Proteas are scoring at 10.48 per over, comfortably ahead of the required rate. With wickets in hand and Ryan Rickelton unbeaten on 8, South Africa look poised to seal the chase unless West Indies produce quick breakthroughs.

Shepherd, Holder power West Indies to 176/8 after South Africa’s early surge

West Indies recovered strongly to post 176/8 in 20 overs after early damage from South Africa. Lungi Ngidi (3/30) and Kagiso Rabada (2/22) reduced them to 83/7, but a stunning counterattack changed the momentum. Jason Holder smashed 49 off 31, while Romario Shepherd’s unbeaten 52 off 37 anchored the late surge. Their 89-run partnership turned a potential collapse into a competitive total, with 23 runs coming in the 18th over alone. Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch chipped in with two wickets each. Despite losing wickets regularly, West Indies’ explosive finish lifted the scoring rate to 8.8.

South Africa strike early after opting to bowl; West Indies 82/6 at 10 Overs

South Africa’s decision to bowl first paid immediate dividends as the West Indies stumbled to 82/6 in 10 overs. Lungi Ngidi led the charge with three wickets, while Kagiso Rabada claimed two crucial scalps, including Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer. Brandon King’s brisk 21 off 11 provided early momentum, and Hope’s 16 off six hinted at acceleration, but regular breakthroughs stalled the innings. Corbin Bosch also chipped in with a wicket, tightening the grip. With Jason Holder and Matthew Forde at the crease, West Indies face an uphill task to post a competitive total after a disciplined South African bowling display.

Playing XI of South Africa and West Indies

West Indies (Playing XI): Brandon King, Shai Hope(w/c), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph South Africa (Playing XI): Aiden Markram(c), Quinton de Kock(w), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi

South Africa opts to bowl first

South Africa opted to bowl first at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, backing chasing-friendly conditions. With dew likely under lights and the surface expected to settle later, the decision aims to restrict the opposition early and capitalise while batting second in more favourable conditions during the run chase.

WI vs SA T20 World Cup 2026: Telecast, streaming and match details

West Indies and South Africa square off in a crucial Super 8 encounter of the T20 World Cup 2026, with semifinal qualification at stake. Both teams have shown strong form leading into this phase, making the contest a high-pressure showdown. West Indies will rely on their explosive batting lineup to dominate the middle overs, while South Africa’s disciplined pace attack and tactical flexibility could prove decisive. Indian viewers can catch the live telecast on the Star Sports Network, with streaming available on JioHotstar. With momentum and net run rate potentially decisive, this clash could significantly shape the tournament’s semifinal race. Read the full story here

West Indies vs South Africa: Why this clash is crucial for India?

The Super 8 clash between West Indies and South Africa at Narendra Modi Stadium carries major implications for India’s semi-final hopes. After suffering a 76-run defeat to South Africa, India’s net run rate has plummeted to -3.800, making their path to qualification increasingly complicated. A South African win would keep India’s fate largely in their own hands if they win their remaining two matches. However, a West Indies victory could create a three-way tie scenario, bringing net run rate into decisive play. With a red-soil surface favouring seamers and no dew factor, conditions promise a high-intensity contest with qualification ramifications. Read the full story here

India vs Zimbabwe, T20 World Cup 2026: When and where to watch?

The India vs Zimbabwe Super 8 match (No. 48) will be played on Thursday, February 26, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The match will start at 7 pm IST, with the toss scheduled for 6:30 pm. The game will be livestreamed in India on the JioHotstar website and app.

India vs Zimbabwe, T20 World Cup 2026: Key players to watch

Ishan Kishan has been one of India’s standout performers, scoring two half-centuries in the tournament and providing stability at the top of the order. Varun Chakravarthy had a rare quiet outing against South Africa in Ahmedabad and will aim to bounce back strongly in familiar conditions at Chennai. For Zimbabwe, captain Sikandar Raza remains the key figure. His subdued show against West Indies highlighted the team’s reliance on him, but he can turn games, as seen in his recent match-winning effort against Sri Lanka. Fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani could challenge Indian batters with his pace and bounce, especially on a batting-friendly surface.

India vs Zimbabwe previous records

India and Zimbabwe meet in a high-stakes Super 8 clash with history firmly favouring India. Since their first T20I encounter in 2010, India lead the head-to-head record 10–3, including a commanding 71-run win in their only previous T20 World Cup meeting in 2022. However, Zimbabwe’s resurgence under Sikandar Raza signals a tougher battle, proving this contest is far from a straightforward affair for the favourites.

West Indies vs South Africa preview

West Indies and South Africa face off in a decisive Super 8 Group 1 clash with semifinal implications firmly in play. Both sides arrive unbeaten and high on confidence, boasting explosive batting line-ups and disciplined bowling attacks. Ahmedabad’s surface is expected to favour stroke-making, hinting at a high-scoring contest. With net run rate potentially decisive in qualification scenarios, expect aggressive intent, sharp tactical adjustments, and a fiercely competitive encounter.

Sikandar Raza 15 runs away from 3,000 T20I milestone ahead of India clash

Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza is just 15 runs away from becoming the first Zimbabwean to reach 3,000 T20I runs, a historic milestone he could achieve against India in their crucial ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super-8 match. Raza’s consistency and leadership have been key to Zimbabwe’s impressive campaign, and he aims to rise to the occasion despite both teams needing a win to keep their semi-final hopes alive.