🏏ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026: S 8 - Match 44: WI vs ZIMBABWE🏏

🏏ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026: S 8 - M44: WI vs ZIMBABWE🏏

Immediately after confirming their qualification for the Super Eight stages of the 2026 T20 World Cup following the washout against Ireland, Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza made it very clear that this was only 'one of the goals' his team had set out for. "Super Eight is clearly a tick in the box, but it's certainly not the whole box we set out for," Raza said that day.

Zimbabwe, as per the skipper's admission, do not want to rest on its laurels and want the 'whole box'. The first challenge awaiting them in that quest isn't even their opponent. It's the conditions that they will have to encounter now in their next three fixtures.

Like their opponents on Monday (February 23), Zimbabwe are unbeaten in the tournament, having beaten Australia and Sri Lanka.

But West Indies have already played a couple of games in Mumbai now in this edition. Zimbabwe hasn't. In fact, Zimbabwe hasn't played a match in India post the 2016 edition of this tournament.

Zimbabwe also do not often get to play under lights as much as their opponents in the Super Eights. The ball generally has stayed low in Sri Lanka where Zimbabwe have played their fixtures so far.

But Wankhede carries the exact opposite reputation, even though bowlers have also had their moments in the ongoing tournament at that venue.

So for Zimbabwe to carry forward their momentum and add another prized scalp in this dream run, adaptability will be the key because West Indies will be ready. They have already brushed England aside at this venue and decimated Nepal. They have made an excellent start to the campaign and have their own ambitions of returning to the summit, having looked lacklustre post their 2016 triumph. The likes of Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford have fired in different games. The bowlers have also done their part, looking ruthless especially in the last two matches.

For Zimbabwe, a lot will depend on how they fare with the bat. Brian Bennett has led their charge, delivering in every contest so far, but how Zimbabawe cope when he fails to fire remains to be seen. Raza and Ryan Burl have come up with significant contributions too but can they all rally together for a complete performance? They will have to, in order to tick the 'whole box'.

When: Monday, February 23, 2026 at 7 PM IST

Where: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

What to expect: This game is set to be played on the same surface where India stuttered against USA. Perhaps, that is exactly what Zimbabwe would want instead of going toe-to-toe with the batting might of West Indies on a flat deck. The skies are expected to stay clear.

Team News

Zimbabwe

The African outfit will likely make a tactical tweak to their XI by bringing back Richard Ngarava into the mix. Veteran Graeme Cremer might make way.

Probable XI- Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (w), Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza (c), Dion Myers, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Brad Evans, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani

West Indies

Head Coach Daren Sammy confirmed that Romario Shepherd is available for selection again after missing the last two games. He should come in place of Matthew Forde.

Probable XI- Brandon King, Shai Hope(w/c), Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph

Did you know

- Since January 2025, Brad Evans is the third highest wicket-taker among seamers from Full Member nations, only behind Jacob Duffy (44) and Jason Holder (39).

- Sherfane Rutherford averages 74.71 at a strike rate of 173.17 in T20 cricket since this season's SA20.

- Having scored 175 runs so far, Brian Bennett is yet to be dismissed in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

What they said

"Who said Zimbabwe not supposed to be here? A lot of people say West Indies is not supposed to be here either. I think when you're in a World Cup, you've got to respect every opposition. And that's what we've been doing. That's what I encourage my guys to do." - West Indies coach Daren Sammy

West Indies had a great display, as they not just beat the opposition but won it comprehensively. Their bowlers have also started to contribute, which has made them a dangerous side. For Zimbabwe, the pace bowlers have set the tone, and the batters are doing the second job.

Zimbabwe warriors, this is YOUR moment to keep writing history!

Two unbeaten teams. One iconic venue under the lights. A rare T20I rivalry that has only seen four previous meetings. Tomorrow night at Wankhede Stadium, the Zimbabwe vs West Indies T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 showdown (Match 44, Group 1) will be pure fireworks.

Caribbean brothers and sisters, remember 2016? We lifted the trophy on passion and power-hitting. West Indies are back, unbeaten in the tournament, topping Group C with ruthless wins over England, Nepal, Italy and more. Shai Hope leading from the front, Shimron Hetmyer exploding at No.3, Sherfane Rutherford smashing at SR 173+ – this is Calypso cricket at its finest!

Zimbabwe fans, proud African warriors – who said you weren’t supposed to be here? You stunned Australia by 23 runs, chased 189 against Sri Lanka like it was a club game, and now sit unbeaten in the Super 8s after topping Group B. Brian Bennett still not dismissed in the entire World Cup (175 runs and counting), Blessing Muzarabani with 9 wickets at 7.88 average – you are giant-killers on a mission for the “whole box”, as skipper Sikandar Raza promised.

This Zimbabwe vs West Indies T20 World Cup 2026 clash isn’t just another match. It’s destiny. High stakes for semi-final hopes, massive NRR implications, and the first points on the Super 8 table. Wankhede’s short boundaries, sea breeze, and heavy dew will play their part. Who adapts better? Who fires first?

Caribbean fans – will your explosive middle order blow the roof off? Zim fans – will Bennett and the seamers defend the dream? Let’s dive deep into this ultimate preview. The Mumbai roar is calling. Are you ready?