Two years ago, Zimbabwe were left watching the T20 World Cup from home. This time, they have not only qualified but stormed into the Super Eights unbeaten, marking one of the most impressive turnarounds of the tournament.
India vs South Africa - Hindi Link 1 India vs South Africa - English Link 2 India vs South Africa- English HDTheir campaign began with a statement performance in Colombo, where Blessing Muzarabani dismantled Australia on a sluggish surface. It was followed by a thrilling chase of 189 against Sri Lanka at Khettarama, where Zimbabwe’s top four kept their composure to silence the home crowd. A consistent theme in both victories has been Brian Bennett’s fluent half-centuries and Sikandar Raza’s brisk, momentum-shifting cameos. With Muzarabani and Brad Evans also featuring among the tournament’s top ten wicket-takers, Zimbabwe have found match-winners across departments.
Now, they face West Indies in Mumbai — a fresh challenge in unfamiliar conditions after playing all their group games in Sri Lanka. In contrast, West Indies have already had two outings at the Wankhede and remain unbeaten themselves.
Historically, the two sides have met just four times in T20 internationals. On paper, West Indies appear to have the stronger batting unit. Captain Shai Hope is in fine touch, Shimron Hetmyer has rediscovered his rhythm at No. 3, and Sherfane Rutherford provides stability and power at the death.
The Caribbean side also boasts enviable balance. With Romario Shepherd nearing a return from injury, they could field three frontline quicks and three spinners — a combination well-suited to Mumbai conditions. At the Wankhede this tournament, pace (35 wickets) and spin (34 wickets) have been almost equally effective, averaging 26.28 and 26.25 respectively, underlining the importance of a well-rounded attack.
With challenging fixtures against India and South Africa still to come for both teams, this encounter carries added significance. Securing early points in the Super Eights could shape the path to the semifinals.
Team News: Shepherd in contention
Romario Shepherd has declared himself fit and trained with strapping on his right leg, contributing with both bat and ball. Though he cleared the ropes with ease during practice, he appeared slightly tentative while bowling. If deemed fully fit, he could replace Matthew Forde in the XI.
West Indies (probable XI): Brandon King, Shai Hope (capt & wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd/Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosain, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie.
Zimbabwe are unlikely to make wholesale changes to a winning combination. However, they may consider bringing back Richard Ngarava in place of Graeme Cremer if additional pace is required.
Zimbabwe (probable XI): Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (capt), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer/Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani.
Pitch and Conditions
The red-soil surface at the Wankhede typically offers good bounce, particularly for spinners. It is the same pitch used in the India vs USA fixture, where fewer than 300 runs were scored and bowlers dominated proceedings. Weather conditions are expected to be favourable, with clear skies and a light breeze forecast for match day.