West Indies Playing XI Vs Zimbabwe- T20 World Cup 2026, Super 8 Match 4- Romario Shepherd Back?

West Indies playing XI Vs Zimbabwe [Source: AFP]

West Indies came into the T20 World Cup as the dark horses, but four matches later, they are one of the favourites to clinch the World title. The team played four group stage matches and won all four as they topped the group. They will enter the Super 8s with loads of confidence.

They will start their Super 8 campaign against fellow group toppers, Zimbabwe, who defeated Sri Lanka to etch their name at the top of the table. The iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, will host the match, and the Windies will start as slight favourites, since they know the conditions in Mumbai.

The West Indies have a strong team for their next game, but the team could be interested in making a change for their match against Zimbabwe. Here is how the Men in Maroon could potentially lineup for the all-important match at the Wankhede Stadium.

West Indies Playing XI Vs Zimbabwe- Match 44

Openers and Top Order: Brandon King, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer

West Indies’ top three have been an interesting prospect. Nobody has been consistent, but all three (Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, and Shai Hope), have chipped in with runs and have laid a strong foundation for the middle-order batters.

Also Read: ZIM vs WI Live Streaming: Super 8, T20 World Cup 2026 Live Telecast- When and Where to Watch Live?

Hetmyer has been their best batter so far, but in the last match, he failed, and Hope stepped up with a fluid 75.  Each batter has brought something different to the team, and the team management won’t change their top three, unless an injury takes place before the game.

Middle-order and all-rounders: Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd

Is there a more destructive middle-order batting lineup than what the West Indies possesses? In Sherfane Rutherford, the team has a solid left-handed batter who can change the course of the match in the blink of an eye. He has been going through a purple patch, and the batter is likely to bat at number 4 to counter the Zimbabwe spin threat.

However, the team might make a crucial change with Romario Shepherd coming back from his injury to replace Roston Chase. Shepherd has the experience of playing at the Wankhede (when he represented MI), and in the ongoing World Cup, he has done well for the team by scoring runs and picking wickets.

Chase, on the other hand, has struggled with the bat, scoring only 58 runs with a strike rate of 107, and the all-rounder has only scalped 3 wickets.

Apart from Shepherd, the likes of Rovan Powell, and Jason Holder will play as finishers as the Windies boast a strong middle-order for a game at Wankhede.

Bowlers: Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie

Matthew Forde can not only strike big as a tail-ender, but he is also an exceptional bowler, and his exploits against Italy tell the story. With the bat, he blasted a quick-fire 16 off 8, and he returned with the ball to pick 3 for 19. The talented bowler should be one of the first names on the team sheet.

In Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie, the team has a world-class spin-bowling duo, and with Zimbabwe boasting a plethora of right-handed batters, the two spinners might be useful on a wicket that could help them generate extra bounce.

The bowling department will be completed by Shamar Joseph, who has been the star with the ball for his team, and will be a key figure in the powerplay for them.

West Indies Playing XI Vs Zimbabwe, Match 44, T20 World Cup 2026

Brandon King, Shai Hope(w/c), Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph

Also Read: Imad Wasim Files Case Against Ex-Wife Sannia Ashfaq Over 'False Allegations'