The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai hosts a blockbuster Super 8 clash between two unbeaten giants who have stormed through the group stage with breathtaking authority. Zimbabwe have been the tournament’s surprise package three wins from three, including stunning victories over Australia and Sri Lanka, have announced their arrival as genuine contenders. Brian Bennett has been nothing short of sensational, scoring 175 runs across three matches without being dismissed once. West Indies, meanwhile, have been imperious four wins from four, a net run rate that reflects their dominance, and a batting lineup that has mastered Indian conditions. Shai Hope is in the form of his life, Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford are striking at will, and a world-class spin attack has taken 12 wickets. This is a contest between two teams at their peak, two unbeaten records, two sets of match-winners. The Wankhede surface has favored chasing in this World Cup five of six games won by the team bowling first. But on a ground where 180-190 is par, with two explosive batting lineups and two lethal spin attacks, this promises to be the Super 8’s defining encounter.
Zimbabwe vs West Indies Win Probability
RCBW vs DCW Batting Tips
ZIM vs WI, Super 8 T20 World Cup 2026 44th Match Details
| Match | ICC T20 World Cup 2026, 44th Match, Super 8, Group 1 |
| Date | Monday, February 23, 2026 |
| Time | 07:00 PM (IST) |
| Venue | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| Live Streaming (TV) | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming (Mobile) | JioHotstar |
ZIM vs WI Team Form – Who Will Win Today’s Match?
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe are flying high (W, W, W, L, L), with three consecutive tournament wins. Their key strength is a fearless, in-form top order. Brian Bennett has been the tournament’s revelation (175 runs, strike rate 125, not out in all matches). Sikandar Raza provides experience and firepower. The bowling attack is pace-led and potent, with Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans combining for 17 wickets. The psychological edge is immense, they’ve already beaten two giants.
West Indies
West Indies are in imperious touch (W, W, W, W, L), with four dominant tournament wins. Their key strength is a batting lineup that has mastered Indian conditions. Shai Hope leads with 155 runs at strike rate 135, with two fifties. Shimron Hetmyer (134 runs) and Sherfane Rutherford (126 runs) provide explosive power. The spin attack is world-class and deep, with Akeal Hosein, Roston Chase, and Gudakesh Motie combining for 12 wickets. The psychological edge is their unbeaten record and familiarity with conditions.
ZIM vs WI Probable Playing XI
Zimbabwe Probable XI-
Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (WK), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani.
West Indies Probable XI-
Brandon King, Shai Hope (C & WK), Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph.
ZIM vs WI Head-to-Head Record (T20Is)
| Total Match Played | 04 |
| ZIM Won | 01 |
| WI Won | 03 |
| Draw/No Result | 00 |
ZIM vs WI Pitch Report
The Wankhede Stadium surface has produced first-innings totals between 160-170 in this World Cup below its historical reputation. The pitch is good for stroke play but offers assistance to spinners in the middle overs. A total of 180-190 is within reach for West Indies batting first; Zimbabwe would target 170 if Bennett and Raza fire. Crucially, each of the last three World Cup games here has been won by the side batting second.
ZIM vs WI Weather Report
Conditions will be clear and warm with dry skies and minimal rain chances. Temperatures will be typical for late February in Mumbai, with no precipitation expected to interrupt play.
ZIM vs WI Toss Prediction
The captain winning the toss will almost certainly choose to bowl first. The trend is unequivocal: five of six games at this venue in the World Cup have been won by the team bowling first. The wicket has held up well, and chasing has proven the winning formula.
ZIM vs WI Match Prediction
This is a clash between two unbeaten sides, but West Indies have decisive advantages.
West Indies’ case: They have played all their games in India, including two at the Wankhede. They know this surface intimately. Their batting lineup has mastered Indian conditions—Hope, Hetmyer, Rutherford are all in career-best form. Their spin attack, with 12 wickets, is perfectly suited to this surface. They have the confidence of four consecutive wins and the momentum of a team peaking at the right time.
Zimbabwe’s case: They have Brian Bennett, the tournament’s revelation, undismissed in three matches. They have a lethal pace attack that has taken 17 wickets. They have beaten Australia and Sri Lanka. They believe they can beat anyone. They have nothing to lose, which can be dangerous.
However, Zimbabwe have not toured India since 2002. None of their current squad has first-hand experience of these conditions. The West Indies have been here, done that. On a surface where spin will play a major role, the West Indian trio of Hosein, Chase, and Motie pose questions Zimbabwe’s batters haven’t yet faced.
Expect a tense, high-quality contest where West Indies’ superior familiarity with conditions and world-class spin attack prove decisive. Zimbabwe will compete. Bennett may produce another masterclass, Muzarabani may take wicket but West Indies’ depth, experience, and home-like advantage should see them edge a thriller and maintain their unbeaten run.
ZIM vs WI Dream11 Team
- Wicketkeeper: Shai Hope, Tadiwanashe Marumani
- Batters: Brian Bennett, Shimron Hetmyer, Sikandar Raza
- All-rounders: Jason Holder, Roston Chase, Ryan Burl
- Bowlers: Blessing Muzarabani, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein
Captain (C) Pick: Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl.
Vice-Captain (VC) Pick: Shai Hope,Sikandar Raza.
