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ZIM vs WI: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match Prediction, Squads, Live Score & Stats
Match Overview
- Fixture: Zimbabwe vs West Indies
- Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Super Eights, Group 1
- Match: 44th Match, Super Eights, Group 1
- Date & Time: 23 February 2026, 7:00 PM IST
- Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India
Match Preview
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 stage brings Zimbabwe and West Indies together in Mumbai. This is a night match where runs come fast and bowlers have to be brave. Both teams need points. The road to the semi-finals is short and there is no room for mistakes.
Zimbabwe have earned their place with steady cricket. They are not in a hurry. Brian Bennett has given them a strong start. Sikandar Raza has guided the innings with a calm hand and clear plans. They build their totals in phases and trust the bowlers to hold the line. Their batting has been patient and their partnerships have been vital.
The bowlers have carried the weight for Zimbabwe. Blessing Muzarabani has used pace and bounce to trouble the batsmen. Brad Evans has supported them with timely wickets. The attack remains disciplined and rarely gives away easy runs. Zimbabwe relies on control and pressure rather than sudden bursts.
West Indies come with a different method. They play with force and confidence. They have won this tournament twice and understand the big moments. Their batting looks impressive from the first over. Shimron Hetmyer has been steady and dangerous. Brandon King attacks early and sets the tempo. Their middle order brings the kind of power that can change a match quickly.
This game sets discipline against power. Zimbabwe will try to slow down the tempo and keep wickets in hand. West Indies will try to push the pace and force them to make mistakes. The balance between patience and aggression will decide the night.
ZIM vs WI – Head to Head (T20Is)
| Format | Matches | ZIM Won | WI Won | Tied | NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20Is | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Note:
Prior to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Zimbabwe and West Indies have played 4 T20 Internationals against each other. West Indies have won 3 matches, while Zimbabwe have won 1 match. Their meetings include the 2010, 2013 and 2022 T20 World Cups, where West Indies won by 31 runs in Hobart.
ZIM vs WI – Squad List
| No. | Zimbabwe | Role | West Indies | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sikandar Raza (c) | Batting allrounder | Shai Hope (c) | Wicketkeeper batter |
| 2 | Brian Bennett | Allrounder | Johnson Charles | Wicketkeeper batter |
| 3 | Ryan Burl | Allrounder | Roston Chase | Allrounder |
| 4 | Graeme Cremer | Bowler | Matthew Forde | Bowler |
| 5 | Ben Curran | Top-order batter | Shimron Hetmyer | Middle-order batter |
| 6 | Brad Evans | Allrounder | Jason Holder | Bowling allrounder |
| 7 | Clive Madande | Wicketkeeper batter | Akeal Hosein | Bowler |
| 8 | Tinotenda Maposa | Bowler | Shamar Joseph | Bowler |
| 9 | Tadiwanashe Marumani | Top-order batter | Brandon King | Top-order batter |
| 10 | Wellington Masakadza | Bowler | Gudakesh Motie | Bowler |
| 11 | Tony Munyonga | Allrounder | Rovman Powell | Middle-order batter |
| 12 | Tashinga Musekiwa | Batting allrounder | Sherfane Rutherford | Middle-order batter |
| 13 | Blessing Muzarabani | Bowler | Quentin Sampson | Batter |
| 14 | Dion Myers | Top-order batter | Jayden Seales | Bowler |
| 15 | Richard Ngarava | Bowler | Romario Shepherd | Bowling allrounder |
Pitch Report – Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Stadium | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| Pitch Nature | Batting-friendly surface |
| Batting Support | Excellent for stroke play |
| New Ball Behaviour | Pacers get early swing |
| Spin Factor | Limited assistance for spinners |
| Match Pattern | High-scoring matches common |
| Average T20 Score Range | Usually 170–200 |
| Dew Impact | Dew likely in night matches |
| Toss Strategy | Teams prefer chasing |
| Safe/Defending Score | Around 185 |
Team Analysis
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe have in-form batsmen like Brian Bennett and Sikandar Raza who have scored runs consistently throughout the tournament. Their effective seam bowling attack, led by Muzarabani, has been taking wickets regularly. They have put in competitive performances against strong teams which shows that they are at this level.
Their concern is their limited experience in Super Eight stage matches against top teams. Their batting depth could be tested against a strong pace attack like the West Indies.
Key players to watch are Brian Bennett who is the highest run-scorer for Zimbabwe in this tournament. Sikandar Raza brings an experienced all-round performance with bat and ball. Blessing Muzarabani is a strike fast bowler who takes important wickets.
West Indies
West Indies have an explosive batting lineup that is capable of a quick turnaround in any situation as a match-winner. They bring experience in ICC T20 tournaments having won the competition twice before.
Their concern is consistency in bowling in the death overs and experience in high-pressure Super Eight matches.
They rely on top-order batsmen to attack aggressively.
Key players to watch are Shimron Hetmyer who has been a leading performer in the tournament with consistent run-scoring. Brandon King is an aggressive opener who sets the platform. Matthew Ford is a key pace option who takes wickets.
Toss Prediction
Due to the fog and chasing advantage at the Wankhede Stadium, the captain bowls first and chases in the light where the fog makes bowling difficult and batting easier as the match progresses in the later overs.
Cricbites Match Prediction
| Team | Winning Chance (%) | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| West Indies | 60% | Strong batting power and experience |
| Zimbabwe | 40% | In-form players and strong bowling attack |
Cricbites Match Prediction: West Indies will win through their batting firepower and experience in high-pressure Super Eight matches. Hetmyer and King can make or chase any score at the Wankhede which traditionally favours aggressive batsmen. Their two World Cup titles show that they handle pressure well.
Zimbabwe’s disciplined bowling and in-form batsmen give them a real chance to cause an upset. West Indies could struggle if Bennett and Raza fire together and take Muzaraba’s early wicket.
Final Thoughts
The Super Eight clash between Zimbabwe and West Indies promises to be a competitive one with both teams looking to consolidate their position in Group 1 and move closer to semi-final qualification. Zimbabwe’s disciplined bowling will challenge West Indies’ big hitting lineup while West Indies will rely on their experience and explosive firepower to suppress Zimbabwe’s bowlers.
Expect a high-scoring contest with momentum swinging in the misty light at Wankhede Stadium which will make the chase easier. The toss could be crucial in deciding which team bats second.
Expect aggressive powerplay batting from both teams. Tactical middle over bowling from Zimbabwe’s seamers. Death over execution will determine the final total and chase results.
Read Also: IND vs SA: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match Prediction, Squads, Live Score & Stats
Disclaimer
This preview and prediction is based on verified team information, historical record, current tournament performance and expected pitch behavior at Wankhede Stadium. Cricket results may change depending on matchday conditions and result of the toss and individual talent of any player from either team.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who is the captain for Zimbabwe in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?
The captain of Zimbabwe in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is Sikandar Raza.
Q2. Who is the captain for West Indies in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?
The captain of West Indies in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is Shai Hope.
Q3. When and what time is ZIM vs WI being played?
Zimbabwe will face West Indies on 23 February 2026. The match is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM.
Q4. Where is the match being played?
The ZIM vs WI T20 World Cup 2026 match will be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India.
Q5. What is the match number for ZIM vs WI in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?
This match is the 44th match of the Super Eights phase of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
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