On February 6, no one would’ve predicted that Zimbabwe would top Group B. Even diehard Chevron fans wouldn’t have imagined beating both Australia and Sri Lanka. But 2 weeks later, the unimaginable has happened. Zimbabwe has qualified for the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026, undefeated.
The dream remains alive. Sikandar Raza’s team takes on the West Indies, who are undefeated as well, at the Wankhede Stadium. The travel from Sri Lanka to India could mean changes. The surface in Colombo and Pallekele won’t resemble the one in Mumbai.
Despite the pitches in Sri Lanka labelled as ‘spin-friendly’, Zimbabwean fast bowlers played a major role in their victories. Brad Evans and Blessing Muzarabani combined have 17 wickets in 3 matches. These were on slow and slightly sluggish pitches.
Pacer in, spinner out?
In Mumbai, they’ll get more pace and bounce. While spin has worked at the Wankhede Stadium, Zimbabwe has a tall and potent fast bowler in Richard Ngarava, who could trouble the West Indies batters. This would mean the Chevron will need to drop one bowler from the team.
Considering Evans and Muzarabani will play, it’ll have to be one of their frontline spinners, Wellington Masakadza and Graeme Cremer, who needs to get dropped. Masakadza has featured in all 3 games, and although he’s been economical, the left-arm spinner has one wicket to show for it. Cremer hasn’t done great. But 3 wickets in 3 matches is much better.
One can’t forget that Ngarava is a left-arm fast bowler, who’ll come in handy in the powerplay, especially. And Masakadza’s role in the middle overs can be replicated by Ryan Burl, Raza, and Tony Munyonga.
Predicted Zimbabwe Playing XI vs West Indies
Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza (c), Dion Myers, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tony Munyonga, Graeme Cremer, Brad Evans, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava
Bench: Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Ben Curran, Wellington Masakadza,
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