Zimbabwe Opt to Bowl First Against West Indies in Crucial Super 8 Clash at Wankhede Stadium

Mumbai, Feb 2026 : In an important ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Group 1 encounter at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Zimbabwe captain Sikander Raza won the toss and elected to bowl first against the West Indies on Monday, setting the stage for a high-intensity contest.

Both teams made strategic adjustments to their line-ups ahead of this crucial match. Zimbabwe brought back fast bowler Richard Ngarava, who returned to fitness, replacing Hamilton Masakadza. West Indies made one change too, drafting in all-rounder Romario Shepherd in place of Roston Chase.

Explaining his decision at the toss, Raza said the conditions looked ideal for chasing, a trend often seen at the venue. “It looks like a ground very suitable for chasing. The pitch looks good, but we want to give ourselves the best chance of making early inroads. One change for us—Richard Ngarava is fit and comes in,” he said.

West Indies captain Shai Hope echoed similar sentiments, admitting he would have opted to bowl first as well. “We’ve got to play good cricket today. Romario Shepherd comes in, and Roston Chase misses out,” Hope stated.

The stakes of the match have risen sharply after India’s defeat to South Africa in the opening Group 1 game. Both Zimbabwe and the West Indies now see this match as a must-win to strengthen their chances of progressing to the semifinals. A victory today will provide crucial momentum as the group stage tightens.

Zimbabwe’s playing XI features a blend of youth and experience, including opener Brian Bennett, wicketkeeper-batter Tadiwanashe Marumani, middle-order batters Dion Myers, Ryan Burl, and all-rounder Tony Munyonga. Their bowling attack, led by Blessing Muzarabani and leg-spinner Graeme Cremer, promises depth and variety.

For the West Indies, the batting unit is anchored by opener Brandon King, along with powerful hitters Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, and Sherfane Rutherford. All-rounders Jason Holder and Shepherd add balance, while their bowling attack features pacer Matthew Forde and spinners Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie.

As both teams eye a semifinal berth, this clash promises high stakes, intense competition, and thrilling cricket under the Mumbai lights.

Playing XIs

Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Dion Myers, Sikander Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Graeme Cremer, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani.

West Indies: Brandon King, Shai Hope (wk, c), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie.