Overview:
Shimron Hetmyer is enjoying a good run of form with the bat, and this will be another chance for him to express himself. Zimbabwe opener Bennett will want to build on from his 2 successive unbeaten fifties.
The Zimbabwe men’s cricket team is set to take on the West Indies in the 44th match of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup campaign, starting February 23. Notably, this match will be held at 7:00 pm IST at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. This is the 2nd contest in Group 1. Earlier, South Africa thrashed India by 76 runs in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Zimbabwe and the West Indies both are unbeaten in the 2026 T20 World Cup. The Sikandar Raza-led Zimbabwe side won three matches in the group stage, with one game being abandoned. West Indies claimed a win in all of their 4 matches. Both teams topped their respective groups.
What is the Context of the ZIM vs WI match?
Zimbabwe have played stunning cricket, defeating Sri Lanka and Australia so far. They are hoping for another big kill in the form of the West Indies. A win in an unfamiliar territory will be massive for Zimbabwe.
On the other hand, the Windies will be wanting to build upon their success in the group stage. They have also played a couple of games in Mumbai in this ongoing T20 WC, and will understand things better.
Zimbabwe and the West Indies meet for the 5th time in T20Is. From 4 matches so far, West Indies own a 3-1 win-loss record.
Zimbabwe – Probable Playing XI
Brian Bennett: He is yet to be dismissed in this T20 World Cup. The opening batter has scored 175 runs from three innings.
Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk): Marumani boasts plenty of experience and will be a good prospect. In three matches, he has 90 runs in this edition of the tournament.
Ryan Burl: The quality figure has 58 runs from 2 innings, with his strike rate being 138.09. With the ball, he has 2 scalps.
Sikandar Raza (c): The star T20 specialist has led his side well. He has scored 75 runs so far with a strike rate of 182.92.
Dion Myers: He opened his campaign with a duck before not getting a chance to bat in the next two innings.
Tony Munyonga: He owns 25 runs from 2 innings. Overall in T20Is, he has scored 367 runs.
Tashinga Musekiwa: He has 353 runs from 39 T20Is (33 innings). He managed one run in his side’s previous clash.
Wellington Masakadza: He has plenty of experience. However, he has picked just one wicket in this ongoing tournament from three innings.
Brad Evans: In three matches, he has picked 8 scalps at 9.50. His economy rate of 7.35 is decent.
Richard Ngarava: The speedster boasts a pedigree. From three matches, he has six scalps, taking two three-fers.
Blessing Muzarabani: The player has been truly blessed. He has nine wickets in this ongoing event from three matches.
Player to watch out for (Brian Bennett): The Zimbabwe opener will want to build on from his 2 successive unbeaten fifties. He can play a solid hand.
West Indies – Probable Playing XI
Brandon King: He has been dismal in the 2026 T20 WC. From 4 matches, he has scored 62 runs.
Shai Hope (C and wk): He is a classy batter and has 155 runs from 4 matches at 51.66.
Shimron Hetmyer: In 4 matches, he has 134 runs at 44.66. Hetmyer has hit one fifty in the ongoing event.
Rovman Powell: Across three innings, he has 47 runs at 15.66. He owns a strike rate of 130.55.
Sherfane Rutherford: He brings all-round attributes. Rutherford owns 126 runs off three innings with one fifty under his belt.
Romario Shepherd: In two matches, he has picked six scalps at 4.50. He started the T20 World Cup 2026 with a fifer.
Matthew Forde: In three matches, he has taken 4 scalps so far at 11. His best performance is 3/19.
Jason Holder: The pace all-rounder has picked 7 wickets from 4 matches at 15.71. With the bat, he has 42 runs from 2 innings.
Gudakesh Motie: He has picked six scalps from 4 matches at 17.16. His best show is 3/33.
Akeal Hosein: He owns three wickets from 4 T20 World Cup 2026 matches at 37.66.
Shamar Joseph: In 4 matches, he has picked 7 scalps at 17.71.
Player to watch out for (Shimron Hetmyer): He is enjoying a good run of form with the bat, and this will be another chance for him to express himself.
Top Batters for Dream11
In terms of the Dream11 team pick, among batters, the likes of Shai Hope, Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani can be wise picks alongside Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell.
Sikandar Raza can be a differential pick. He promises fireworks and a sound tempo.
Best All-Rounders to Boost Points
In terms of all-rounders, one can go with two sound options in the form of Jason Holder and Sherfane Rutherford.
Bowlers to Watch in Dream11
In terms of bowling, Shamar Joseph and Blessing Muzarabani can be wise picks. Gudakesh Motie can be an option in the spin department.
Captain and Vice-captain picks
Hetmyer can be an ideal captaincy option with Raza being the vice-captain pick.
One can mix it with Bennett being picked as captain and Holder as the vice-captain.
Pitch Report & Venue Conditions
The Wankhede pitch is traditionally a batter’s paradise, with true bounce and the ball coming sweetly onto the bat. Fast bowlers may find some swing and seam with the new ball, but conditions generally ease as the innings wears on. Short boundaries and a flat surface could boost the confidence of both West Indies and Zimbabwe batters against each other’s pace attack. At the same time, it’s a venue made for the power-hitters to cut loose, pile on a big total. Zimbabwe will hope to get a grip, having played in Sri Lanka thus far.
Match Prediction – Who Has the Upper Hand?
All things considered, the West Indies will be the outright favourites, and one expects them to stamp their authority on Zimbabwe. Notably, as mentioned, Zimbabwe haven’t played here or in India in the ongoing tournament. So they won’t have an edge. Also, night games will be another test for Sikandar Raza and Co.
FAQs About ZIM vs WI Playing 11
Who are the key players in the ZIM vs WI clash?
Shimron Hetmyer is enjoying a good run of form with the bat, and this will be another chance for him to express himself. Zimbabwe opener Bennett will want to build on from his 2 successive unbeaten fifties. He can play a solid hand.