T20 WC: Zimbabwe win toss, choose to bowl against West Indies in Super 8 clash
Mumbai, February 23
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza won the toss and opted to bowl first against West Indies in both teams' opening Super 8 clash of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday.
Both West Indies and Zimbabwe come into the Super 8 clash as the table-toppers of their respective groups in the tournament's group-stage. Two-time champions West Indies secured victories over Scotland, England, Nepal and Italy to progress, while Zimbabwe registered wins against Oman, Australia and Sri Lanka, with their fixture against Ireland ending in a no result due to abandonment.
West Indies' most notable group-stage triumph came against England, where the Shai Hope-led team defeated the Three Lions by 30 runs in a commanding performance. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, pulled off a significant 23-run victory over Australia, a result that underlined their strong campaign heading into the Super 8s.
After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza said that he has chosen to bowl first because the pitch historically favours chasing teams. He wants to give the seamers an early opportunity to make breakthroughs, confirmed that Richard Ngarava replaces Wellington Masakadza, and added that it's an honour to face one of the champions at such an iconic venue.
"Looking at the history, it's a ground that's a lot suitable for chasing. Want to give our seamers a chance for early inroads. Ngarava replaces Masakadza. It's an honour to play one of the champions at an iconic ground like this," he said at the toss.
West Indies vs Zimbabwe T20 WC 2026 match playing 11s:
Zimbabwe playing 11: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani(w), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza(c), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Graeme Cremer, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani.
West Indies playing 11: Brandon King, Shai Hope(w/c), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Indian cricket fan, it's fantastic to see such a competitive match in Mumbai. Zimbabwe has really earned their spot here. Hope the pitch lives up to its chasing reputation. Shai Hope vs Sikandar Raza will be a great tactical battle.
Bowling first is the right call. The dew factor in Mumbai evenings is real, and the ball comes on nicely later. But West Indies batting is explosive. Zimbabwe's seamers need early wickets, otherwise Powell and Rutherford can take the game away in the death overs.
Respectfully, I think Raza might be overthinking the "chasing ground" history. Sometimes you just back your best strength. Zimbabwe's batting has been good, setting a target could have put pressure on Windies. Hope the decision doesn't backfire.
Wankhede is buzzing! Just saw the crowd shots. Zimbabwe has so many fans here, it's amazing. They play with so much heart. Muzarabani and Ngarava with the new ball against King and Hope... that's the key phase. Jai Zimbabwe! 🙌
The West Indies team looks balanced on paper. But T20 is about momentum, and Zimbabwe has it. Their win against Australia will give them massive belief. This is why I love the World Cup - unexpected teams rising to the occasion.
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