Zimbabwe Playing XI vs South Africa: T20 World Cup 2026, Super 8- Graeme Cremer Back?

Zimbabwe in T20 World Cup 2026. [Source - AFP]

Zimbabwe will lock horns against South Africa in a Super 8 clash of the T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday, March 1. The anticipated encounter will take place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi and will go live for fans at 3:00 PM IST.

Zimbabwe vs South Africa Preview

Zimbabwe’s unbeaten run from the Group Stage to the Super 8 round was one of the standout stories of the T20 World Cup 2026. The team’s unexpected rise captured the imagination of fans, with key performances and team unity pushing them past several major teams like the Australians.

However, Zimbabwe could not carry their momentum into the Super 8s, losing both games, including a defeat to India in Chennai, which ended their semi-final hopes. With their final match ahead, captain Sikandar Raza will be hoping for a strong performance from the Playing XI to finish the campaign on a high note.

South Africa have won two straight games in the Super 8s, including a big win over the West Indies, securing their place in the semi-finals. Aiden Markram’s team has stayed calm under pressure and now with the semi-finals already guaranteed, they will look to extend their unbeaten run and enter the knockouts strong.

Also Read: Watch- Brian Bennett's Golden Response On Indian Journalist Confusing Him For Zimbabwe Coach

Zimbabwe Vs South Africa - Super 8, T20 World Cup 2026

Openers and Top-Order (Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dion Myers)

Brian Bennett has been the highlight of Zimbabwe’s T20 World Cup campaign, scoring 277 runs, including an unbeaten 97 against India. His consistency at the top has been key for the team, making him one of the standout batters of the tournament.

Tadiwanashe Marumani, the second opener, has been aggressive, scoring 124 runs at a strike rate of 144.18. Dion Myers, on the other hand, has struggled with just 34 runs in three innings, but is expected to continue at three for Zimbabwe's final match of T20 World Cup 2026 against South Africa.

Middle-Order and All-Rounders (Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tony Munyonga)

Sikandar Raza remains Zimbabwe's key player in the middle-order, having consistently delivered with both bat and ball throughout the tournament. His experience and ability to change the game with the bat, along with his contributions with the ball, will be vital in navigating the middle-overs against South Africa.

Ryan Burl, despite his struggles, has the experience to adapt in pressure situations, and Zimbabwe will rely on him to provide aggression. Tashinga Musekiwa and Tony Munyonga bring energy and flexibility to the middle-order, offering depth with the bat, ensuring Zimbabwe's playing XI vs South Africa has the balance for a strong finish.

Bowlers (Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Brad Evans, Graeme Cremer)

Blessing Muzarabani has been the standout pacer for Zimbabwe, consistently creating pressure with the new ball and towards the end. 

Richard Ngarava has supported well, providing that left-arm pace option to the attack. Brad Evans adds depth with his all-round abilities, offering both pace and control in key moments.

Graeme Cremer missed out in the last game against India, with Tinotenda Maposa coming in, but that move backfired. 

Going forward, Cremer is most likely going to be back in Zimbabwe's Playing XI vs South Africa, as his leg-spin offers an attacking option to break through the opposition's middle-order and provide the required wicket-taking threat.

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

Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (WK), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl,  Tashinga Musekiwa, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Brad Evans and Graeme Cremer.

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