T20 World Cup 2026 - High stakes for a rare West Indies-Zimbabwe clash

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Big Picture: Tussle between two in-form teams

Two years ago, Zimbabwe failed to qualify for the T20 World Cup. Not only did they make the competition this time, they entered the Super Eights unbeaten.

First, it was Blessing Muzarabani who shut Australia down on a slow pitch in Colombo. Then their top four silenced the Khettarama crowd by chasing down 189 against Sri Lanka. The common factor in those wins were also Brian Bennett’s fifties and Sikandar Raza’s quick cameos. Muzarabani and Brad Evans are also among the top-ten wicket-takers in the tournament.

With contributions from several players, Zimbabwe could prove a handful for West Indies in Mumbai. They will have to make a quick adjustment, though, having played all their group matches in Sri Lanka, while West Indies have already played twice at the Wankhede.

These two sides have faced each other only four times in T20 internationals.
When lined up player-against-player, West Indies – also undefeated – look stronger with bat, with an in-form Shai Hope, a rejuvenated Shimron Hetmyer at No. 3, and a solid finisher in Sherfane Rutherford.

Having as many as three allrounders – with Romario Shepherd in line to return after injury – gives them the option of playing three fast bowlers and three spinners. It’s an ideal mix in Mumbai, where the quicks (35 wickets) and spinners (34) have been equally effective, averaging 26.28 and 26.25 respectively this tournament.

It’s a big game for both sides, with matches against India and South Africa to follow next. Who will get on the points table first?

West Indies WWWWW (last five completed T20Is, most recent first)
Zimbabwe WWWLL

In the spotlight: Blessing Muzarabani and Shai Hope

Blessing Muzarabani is an early wicket-taker and a serial wicket-taker. He has height, pace and discipline on lengths that can be threatening, especially with the new ball. He also bowls at the death where he generally goes on the shorter side peppered in with the odd slower ball. That’s as all-conditions as it gets in T20s, and form is on his side too.

West Indies have a clear batting approach outlined by regular boundary hitting, and Shai Hope is the initiator and the glue as he sets up and builds innings. He has the virtues of an upgraded anchor who doesn’t have to shut down when the team is on the back foot. He is coming off two fifties, the second of which against Nepal saw him power through even as wickets fell at the other end.

Shepherd is fit again. He had strapping on his right leg as he bowled and batted for a while on Saturday. He hit one over the roof, but wasn’t as comfortable while bowling. If fit, he could replace Matthew Forde.

West Indies (probable): 1 Brandon King, 2 Shai Hope (capt & wk), 3 Shimron Hetmyer, 4 Roston Chase, 5 Rovman Powell, 6 Sherfane Rutherford, 7 Jason Holder, 8 Romario Shepherd/Matthew Forde, 9 Akeal Hosain, 10 Shamar Joseph, 11 Gudakesh Motie.

Zimbabwe haven’t tinkered with their squad much and that’s likely to remain the case. They could bring back Richard Ngarava for Graeme Cremer if they feel the need for pace.

Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Brian Bennett, 2 Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), 3 Dion Myers, 4 Sikandar Raza (capt), 5 Ryan Burl, 6 Tony Munyonga 7 Tashinga Musekiwa, 8 Brad Evans, 9 Wellington Masakadza, 10 Graeme Cremer/Richard Ngarava, 11 Blessing Muzarabani

It’s a red-soil pitch at the Wankhede that’s generally known to provide good bounce for spinners. It’s the same pitch used for the game between India and USA where fewer than 300 runs were scored and bowlers enjoyed success. The weather is set to play fair with clear skies and a gentle breeze.

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