Zimbabwe Cricket - (Source: AFP)
Zimbabwe will face their toughest battle on February 26 when they meet India at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. Both teams are fresh off a defeat and searching for their maiden win in Super 8 to stay alive in the tournament.
Zimbabwe suffered an embarrassing 107-run defeat against the West Indies. However, the Sikandar Raza-led side are still hopeful of making it through to the next round by upsetting India.
Zimbabwe vs India Preview
The biggest positive for Zimbabwe is that their star bowler Richard Ngarava returned from injury and featured against West Indies. However, the bowlers looked ineffective, including Blessing Muzarabani, who took two wickets but leaked 42 runs in his four overs.
Also Read: Abhishek Sharma Denied Massive Opportunity By Gautam Gambhir Before IND vs ZIM
Besides the bowling issue, fielding standards too costed the African Nation a chance to fight against the Windies. Their captain, Sikandar Raza, also took a blow on his hand but still featured in the entire game.
Zimbabwe Playing XI vs India- Match 47
Openers and Top Order (Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Ryan Burl)
Despite a failed outing against the West Indies, Zimbabwe’s top order has been on song in this tournament. Brian Bennett got out for the first time in the tournament, but still has 180 runs in four innings, averaging 180.
On the other hand, Tadiwanashe Marumani has been the aggressive one, who has scored 104 runs in four innings at a strike-rate of 157.78.
Ryan Burl has been struggling as he has just 58 runs in three innings, which includes a duck against the Windies. However, the important thing here is that Burl has experience and understands the situation well, which is why Zimbabwe will proceed with him for the India match as well.
Middle Order and All Rounders (Sikandar Raza, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tony Munyonga, Dion Myers)
In the middle-order, Sikandar Raza will also feature against India despite his injury against the West Indies. Raza is Zimbabwe’s main star, and his presence will boost the team's strength despite his not being at 100% fitness.
Dion Myers, who wasn’t tested enough before the Windies game, was the star batter in the last match and scored 28 (15), which featured three fours and two sixes. Tashinga Musekiwa is likely to be dropped for the upcoming game, as he scored a golden duck and has not been in form.
Similarly, Tony Munyonga is struggling for runs but is likely to get a game against India.
Bowlers (Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Brad Evans, Graeme Cremer)
Blessing Muzarabani has been the star of the tournament for Zimbabwe. The left-arm seamer has picked up 11 wickets in just four innings, making him the second-leading wicket-taker in the tournament.
Richard Ngarava's return has boosted Zimbabwe’s bowling attack. He picked up two wickets. The biggest positive for Zimbabwe was Brad Evans, who scored 43 (21) with the bat and also picked up a wicket.
Therefore, Zimbabwe aren’t expected to make a lot of changes to their playing XI and can actually go ahead with the same playing XI.
Zimbabwe Playing XI vs India - Match 47, T20 World Cup 2026
Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (Wk), Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza (C), Tashinga Musekiwa, Tony Munyonga, Dion Myers, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Brad Evans, Graeme Cremer
Also Read: Jay Shah's ICC Punishes Pakistan Player For Serious Mistake, Official Statement Issued
