Brian Bennett's 78* keeps Zimbabwe alive in high-stakes India clash
Zimbabwe's Brian Bennett delivered a stunning performance in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash against India. His explosive batting saw him score an unbeaten 78 off just 49 balls, keeping his team in contention despite a daunting target of 257 runs.
The match has high stakes, with India aiming to boost their Net Run Rate and secure a smoother route to the semi-finals.
India set an imposing total of 256 after a fierce batting display. Six of their players maintained strike rates above 150, piling pressure on Zimbabwe from the start.
Bennett, batting at number four, took the attack to India's bowlers early. In a standout moment, he smashed Shivam Dube for 26 runs in a single over, including powerful fours and sixes. Dube's struggles continued when he bowled a wayward delivery—a wide no-ball that landed far outside the pitch on the green patch.
Despite Bennett's heroics, Zimbabwe faces an uphill task. With 20 overs remaining, they still need 113 runs to win—a target that looks increasingly out of reach. Earlier in the tournament, Bennett had played a supporting role, contributing 5 runs off 5 balls in Zimbabwe's match against West Indies and taking a catch to dismiss a key batsman.
India's massive total and Bennett's fighting knock have set the stage for a dramatic finish. A victory for India would strengthen their position in the tournament, improving their Net Run Rate ahead of the semi-finals. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, must now regroup after a tough chase.
