South Africa Playing XI vs Zimbabwe - T20 World Cup 2026, Super 8

South Africa will face Zimbabwe on March 1 [Source: ProteasMensCSA/X.com]

South Africa will face Zimbabwe in their final Super 8 clash of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on March 1 at 3 PM (IST) as they look to remain unbeaten in the tournament ahead of the big semi-final.

Prior to this game, the 2024 finalists have convincingly toppled the defending champions, India, by 76 runs, followed by a 9-wicket win over the two-time champions, West Indies. The two wins have already sealed their qualification for the next stage of the tournament.

South Africa vs Zimbabwe Preview

Throughout the tournament, the Proteas have emerged as arguably one of the best teams, as they are the only unbeaten side remaining. 

Aiden Markram has led them from the front with 264 runs in 6 matches, striking at 178.37. With the ball, Lungi Ngidi has impressed everyone with 11 wickets at an economy rate of 6.80.

Also Read: Kagiso Rabada Overtakes Dale Steyn's T20 World Cup Legacy In WI Vs SA Super 8 Match

Zimbabwe, who remained unbeaten in the group stage and defeated Australia and Sri Lanka, haven’t hit the ground running in the Super 8 but have put on some spirited performances. 

Young opener Brian Bennett has been their best batter with 277 runs, including an unbeaten 97 against India. Blessing Muzarabani is their highest wicket-taker with 12 scalps in 5 games.

South Africa Playing XI vs Zimbabwe- Super 8

Openers and Top Order– Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton

Considering the forms of the top-order batters, the South African team will want to continue their momentum and stick to the usual top-3. Aiden Markram, who has been inspirational with the bat, will open the batting with Quinton de Kock, who has also chipped in with quick runs from time to time.

The second wicketkeeper, Ryan Rickelton, who was a late entry in the squad, has also gotten close to 200 runs in 6 innings. He has had a couple of important partnerships with both Markram and de Kock, helping the team to continue the momentum.

Middle Order and All Rounders– Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch

The middle-order of this team picks themselves with Dewald Brevis and David Miller at 4 and 5. The duo stitched a crucial partnership against India from 20/3, leading their fightback. 

They will be followed by Tristan Stubbs, who has also played important cameos throughout the campaign, including the double super over blitz against Afghanistan.

The two all-rounders will be Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch. They have gone with horses for courses with Bosch and George Linde in the tournament, but the pitch is better suited to pacers — the spinners have only picked 35% of the tournament wickets at the venue. Additionally, Bosch has put on some spirited performances with the ball, with 9 wickets so far.

Jansen’s form hasn’t been the best, but he has always shown his ability to learn and improve in his career and also picked 4 wickets against India. He will also retain the spot in the side.

Bowlers– Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi

Despite some lacklustre performances from Kagiso Rabada early in the competition, Markram has shown trust in the bowler, which was repaid with a 2/22 against a dangerous West Indies batting lineup. 

Lungi Ngidi has been among their linchpins with 11 wickets so far, while he could also be rested for Anrich Nortje for a solitary game, but higher chances are that he plays.

The lone frontline spinner of this team has been Keshav Maharaj, who bowled the second super over in the win against Afghanistan. 

He is known for his economical spells and has backed his ability in the tournament with 5 wickets in 5 matches so far. He can also add a few runs down the order if it is needed.

South Africa's probable Playing XI vs Zimbabwe: Super 8, T20 World Cup 2026- Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi.

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