ZIM vs WI Match Preview, Predicted Playing XI: West Indies kick off Super 8 campaign against giant-killers Zimbabwe

West Indies and Zimbabwe will face each other on Monday, February 23, at Wankhede Stadium in the Super 8s of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Both teams have been playing well so far, and this match could be important for deciding who reaches the semi-finals.

West Indies have been strong in the tournament. They finished the group stage unbeaten and come into this game after a 42‑run win over Italy. Captain Shai Hope scored 75 runs, while Shamar Joseph and Matthew Forde bowled very well. This was their fourth straight win, showing they are strong in both batting and bowling.




The last time these teams met in a T20 World Cup was in 2022 at Hobart. West Indies won by 31 runs, scoring 153/7 and then keeping Zimbabwe to 122, showing their dominance in past encounters.

Zimbabwe have been the surprise team of the tournament. They were seen as underdogs before it started, but they have impressed with smart batting and bowling. Their big highlight was a shocking win over Australia, followed by a six‑wicket victory against Sri Lanka. They finished the group stage unbeaten, proving they can compete with the best teams.

With West Indies’ experience and power going up against Zimbabwe’s confidence and momentum, Sunday’s match at Eden Gardens promises to be exciting and closely fought.

Predicted Playing XI - ZIM vs WI:

West Indies: Shai Hope (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford.

Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Bradley Evans, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Ben Curran

Zimbabwe vs West Indies Squads:

• West Indies: Shai Hope (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd.
• Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Bradley Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Ben Curran

Get the latest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 updates, including the full schedule, teams, live scores, points table, and key series stats such as top run-scorers and wicket-takers.