ICC 2026 Men's T20 WC | Match 44: West Indies vs Zimbabwe | Preview and Prediction

Two teams who have made it to the Super Eights at the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 unbeaten, will be now looking to continue that form into the Super Eights as the tournament heads into its business end. Zimbabwe are one of the dark horses for the title, especially given their take down of co-hosts Sri Lanka and the West Indies, who seem to come alive during the T20 World Cups, will be wary of it. 

Here, we present our preview and predictions for match no. 44 between West Indies and Zimbabwe.

ICC 2026 Men’s T20 WC Super 8 Group 1 | Match 44: West Indies vs Zimbabwe | 19:00, 23 February

Zimbabwe are one of the four teams who have come into the Super Eight stage, along with India, South Africa and West Indies, with a flawless record, taking down Oman, Australia and Sri Lanka in their Group Stage game with their match against Ireland being washed out. Zimbabwe are the surprise team in the Super Eights but more than that, the African team will take confidence from their stunning wins over Australia and Sri Lanka.

Zimbabwe’s batting has been carried by their top four with Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Ryan Burl and Sikandar Raza doing the heavy lifting. All four have been in good form, with Bennett having scored two half centuries from the three games Zimbabwe have played. The batting has been a massive positive for Zimbabwe, but what will play against them is the fact that they have played all games in Colombo in the Group Stage and now have to adapt to a new venue. The Colombo strip has been a sluggish and flat strip while the Mumbai ground, where they will play next has seen runs and some turn as well. A change of venue, having to acclimatise to new conditions could be a major factor for Zimbabwe. 

Zimbabwe’s bowling has been led spectacularly by their pace attack trio, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans, all three of whom have been amongst the wickets from the get-go. While the seamers have caused trouble for the opponents up top, the spin attack, led by Zimbabwe’s captain, Sikandar Raza along with Graeme Cremer and Ryan Burl have kept things tight as they have been clinical with the ball. Along with the two disciplines, Zimbabwe have also been stellar in the field, with their catching amongst the best in the tournament, which has also been key for them.

West Indies might be struggling in the other formats and their players could be out of form but when the team switches to the T20I format, the team always seems to find a new breath of life. The West Indies, like Zimbabwe, are one of the four teams who are yet to be beaten, and have been clinical in all departments so far. Known for their firepower with the bat, Brandon King and captain Shai Hope have been providing strong starts at the top and the middle order consisting of Shimron Hetmyer, Rovmann Powell and Sherfane Rutherford have gotten time and runs under their belt as well. If there is one place they would like to improve, it will be lower middle order, hoping that they start finishing innings with some more fireworks.

West Indies’ seamers and medium-pacers, have been doing the job for the two-time T20 world champions with Matthew Forde, Shamar Joseph, Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd all being amongst the wickets across the group stages. Gudakesh Motie has been the West Indies’ lead spinner with Akeal Hosein being economical, even though he hasn’t been amongst the wickets, at the top.

The Wankhede has provided runs and assistance for the spinners this World Cup and while Zimbabwe come into the Super Eights high on confidence, the West Indies’ firepower and the fact that they have already played in the conditions before gives them the advantage. 

Fantasy 11: Shai Hope (wk), Brandon King, Brian Bennett, Shimron Hetmyer (c), Ryan Burl, Rovman Powell, Sikandar Raza, Jason Holder (vc), Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani, Gudakesh Motie

Winners Prediction: West Indies

Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai