T20 World Cup 2026: Super Eights, Match 44, ZIM vs WI – Top 3 player battles to watch out for

In-form Zimbabwe will take on the West Indies in a mouth watering Super 8 contest of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on February 23. The Sikandar Raza-led team has been exceptional in this tournament, claiming three wins, including a historic win against Australia.

They finished at the top of the Group B table despite the presence of two former World Champions, Sri Lanka and Australia, in the same group. They played all their matches in Sri Lanka. So, it will be interesting to see how they cope up with the West Indian challenge at the Wankhede Stadium, where the pitch favours the batters more. 

West Indies, on the other hand, were dominant throughout the group-stages, winning all of their four matches. Several players from their team have been in exceptional form and they would want to carry the same momentum against Zimbabwe. Having played their two games at the same venue might also help them. 

Here are the top 3 player battles to watch out for in ZIM vs WI, T20 WC 2026

3. Shai Hope vs Blessing Muzarabani 

This powerplay contest will determine which side takes a better start in the first six overs. West Indies captain Shai Hope has led the team from the front, scoring two fifty-plus scores in their last two matches. His team would want him to carry his fine nick, but he will be up against one of the finest bowlers of the tournament Muzarabani.

The right-arm pacer has been in terrific form with the ball. In three matches, he has taken nine wickets, including a match-winning four wicket haul against Australia. The Zimbabwe side would want him to strike early against the Windies. 

2. Jason Holder vs Brian Bennett

Yet another battle of the powerplay will pit Zimbabwe’s opener Brian Bennett against West Indies premier all-rounder Jason Holder. Bennett been their most consistent batter so far, with 175 runs in three innings without getting dismissed. 

Up against him will be West Indies’ experienced Holder. The tall bowler from Barbados has been a key figure for them in this competition, taking seven wickets with the ball. The Shai Hope-led team will expect him to perform in the crucial phase of the tournament. They have not faced each other in a competitive game, yet.  

1. Shimron Hetmyer vs Sikandar Raza 

This will be a battle of the T20 heavyweights as two of the most accomplished T20 players in the world will come head to head in this contest. Shimron Hetmyer is known to be one of the most deadliest batters in the world, especially against spin bowling and he has been having a great campaign with the bat.

On the other hand, Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe’s inspirational captain, would want to lead his team from the front in this crucial encounter. In three matches, he has scored 75 runs, while taking one wicket with the ball. What Raza does against Hetmyer in the middle overs has the capacity to decide the outcome of the match.