This is the not the same Zimbabwe team, against who Abhishek Sharma made his T20I debut against, back in 2024, and also went on to score a ton in the series. Things have changed for the better, and now, the team has already beaten a few top sides in the T20 World Cup 2026. They are gunning for a place in the semis, and face wounded Indians in Chennai on Thursday.
Quite a few players have fired for them in the tournament, and the key has been their careful selection of the playing XI. That would be of utmost importance in the IND encounter as well. Insidesport takes a look at the predicted Zimbabwe XI.
Brian Bennett & Ryan Burl to open
So far, Brian Bennett has been great for ZIM at the top of the order. He has already scored two fifties in the tournament.. but needs more support at the other end. With Brendan Taylor out injured, and Marumani failing, it would only be wise that the management promote Ryan Burl in the batting order.
Marumani to anchor, Sikandar Raza finisher
When it comes to scoring, the bulk of the work has to be done by these four men. So, Marumani could come down to no. 3, and then Sikandar Raza could come in as a dasher towards the end. Dion Myers can bat decent, and so can Ryan Burl, but he is due for a big one.
Muzarabani holds key, spinners need to perform
Blessing Muzarabani has been excellent and picked up 11 wickets until now. Brad Evans has been equally effective as well, picking up 9 wickets, but spinners need to come up with better showing. Especially considering India’s weakness against them. Masakadza has one wicket, Cremer has three, Burl has only two, skipper Raza has none. So better work is needed in that department.
Predicted ZIM playing XI
Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza (c), Tadiwanashe Marumani (w), Dion Myers, Tashinga Musekiwa, Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Graeme Cremer, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani.
