Zimbabwe vs West Indies Probable Playing XI, Head to Head — Super 8 T20 World Cup 2026
Tonight at Wankhede, two unbeaten sides collide. The 44th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 pits Zimbabwe against West Indies in Super Eights Group 1 — February 23, 2026, 7:00 PM IST, Mumbai.
This is not just another group game. Both teams have won every single match they’ve played so far. Someone’s perfect record ends tonight.
| Match Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Match | 44th Match — Super Eights Group 1 |
| Venue | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| Date & Time | February 23, 2026 — 7:00 PM IST |
| Toss | 6:30 PM IST |
| Match Referee | Javagal Srinath |
| TV Umpire | Sharfuddoula |
Zimbabwe Probable Playing XI
Zimbabwe have kept a settled squad throughout the tournament and there’s little reason to change what’s been working. Their most likely XI for tonight:
Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Sikandar Raza (c), Dion Myers, Ryan Burl, Clive Madande (wk), Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava
Graeme Cremer could come in over Ngarava if the pitch favours spin early, but Wankhede’s bounce makes the seam option smarter. Brad Evans remains their most complete bowling allrounder and a key death-over option.
Zimbabwe Key Players Tonight
- Brian Bennett — 403 runs in 10 recent T20s, averaging 57.57 at a strike rate of 130. He’s the tournament’s quiet giant
- Sikandar Raza — 305 runs at 43.57, strike rate of 145.93. Captain, anchor, match-winner
- Blessing Muzarabani — 11 wickets in just 4 matches, economy of 7.00. The most feared new-ball bowler in this tournament
West Indies Probable Playing XI
West Indies come in brimming with confidence — four wins from four. Their probable XI:
Brandon King, Shai Hope (c & wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph
Matthew Forde could replace Shepherd if the team wants extra pace variety. But with Shepherd reportedly fit, the balance leans towards keeping him in.
West Indies Key Players Tonight
- Shimron Hetmyer — 367 runs in 10 recent T20s, averaging 45.88 at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 174.76
- Brandon King — 239 runs, consistent at the top, strike rate of 131.31
- Gudakesh Motie — 9 wickets, economy of 7.46. Their go-to spin threat in Asian conditions
Head to Head — Zimbabwe vs West Indies T20Is
These two sides have met only four times in T20 internationals. West Indies dominate the record, but Zimbabwe’s only win came in 2010 — a 26-run victory. Since then, the Windies have won every encounter.
| Match | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| T20 World Cup 2022 | Hobart | West Indies | 31 runs |
| T20I — Mar 2013 | N/A | West Indies | 41 runs |
| T20I — Mar 2013 | N/A | West Indies | 8 wickets |
| T20I — Feb 2010 | N/A | Zimbabwe | 26 runs |
West Indies lead H2H 3-1. Their only World Cup meeting in 2022 saw Jason Holder run through Zimbabwe’s batting. History favours Windies — but Zimbabwe in 2026 are a very different side from 2022.
Pitch Report — Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Wankhede in IPL is a batter’s paradise. In T20 World Cup 2026, it’s been something else entirely. The red-soil pitch here has been assisting bowlers, offering good bounce for seamers and enough grip for spinners. This is not a 200-pitch tonight.
Expect scores in the 145-165 range. The team batting first needs to read the surface well. Winning the toss and knowing whether to bat or bowl could genuinely decide this game.
Weather: Clear skies all night. No interruptions expected.
Form Guide
Check the Super 8 group standings and points table to understand what tonight’s result means for both sides’ semifinal hopes.
Zimbabwe’s form: L W W A W — That only loss came early, and since then they’ve been remarkable. Beating Australia and chasing 189 against Sri Lanka — these are not fluke results. This team is organised, believes in their gameplan, and punches far above their ICC ranking.
West Indies form: W W W W W — Flawless. Five wins on the bounce. Their batting depth is frightening, their bowling mix is smart, and Shai Hope has been the coolest head in the tournament.
See the full T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 groups breakdown for where both teams sit and what results they need from here.
Who Has the Edge Tonight?
West Indies are favourites — better H2H record, experience in Mumbai having already played at Wankhede this tournament, and a batting lineup with match-winners at every position.
But Zimbabwe have Muzarabani. On a pitch with bounce, with the new ball swinging under lights, he is a genuine match-winner. If he picks up two early wickets and Zimbabwe’s top order fires, this game is absolutely wide open.
The Zimbabwe squad is the most cohesive they’ve been in years — no superstars, just a team that plays for each other and executes under pressure.
Prediction: West Indies to win — but expect Zimbabwe to push them hard. This won’t be comfortable.
FAQs
Q. What time does Zimbabwe vs West Indies start today? 7:00 PM IST at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Toss at 6:30 PM.
Q. What is the head to head record between Zimbabwe and West Indies in T20Is? West Indies lead 3-1 in four T20I meetings. Zimbabwe’s only win came in February 2010.
Q. Who are Zimbabwe’s key players for tonight’s Super 8 match? Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza, and Blessing Muzarabani are the three most important players for Zimbabwe tonight.
Q. Who are West Indies’ key players for ZIM vs WI? Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, and Gudakesh Motie are the players to watch from the West Indies side.
Q. Has Zimbabwe ever beaten West Indies in a T20 World Cup? No. Their only T20 World Cup meeting was in 2022, which West Indies won by 31 runs.
Q. What kind of pitch is expected at Wankhede tonight? A bowling-friendly surface with good bounce. Scores of 145-165 are likely. Seamers and spinners both expected to get assistance.
