IND vs ZIM 48th T20I World Cup 2026: Live, Playing XI, H2h

India vs Zimbabwe T20 WC 2026: Match Preview & Prediction

The excitement of the T20 World Cup 2026 continues as India take on Zimbabwe in the 48th T20I match of the Super 8 stage. This important Group 1 clash will be played on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 7:00 PM IST at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

With both teams aiming to strengthen their position in the Super 8 round, fans can expect a competitive and thrilling encounter.

📍 Match Details – IND vs ZIM

The Chepauk pitch traditionally offers good assistance to batters early in the innings. However, as the match progresses, spinners can get help from the surface.

Dew is expected to play a big role during the second innings, making it slightly challenging for bowlers to grip the ball. Because of this factor, teams winning the toss may prefer to bowl first.

📊 Stadium T20 Stats

🔥 Team Form – Last 5 Matches

India have looked strong in recent matches, winning four of their last five games. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, have shown fighting spirit but have been slightly inconsistent.

 

🤝 India vs Zimbabwe Head-to-Head in T20Is

India have historically dominated Zimbabwe in the shortest format.

India clearly hold the advantage, but Zimbabwe have proven in the past that they can surprise stronger teams.

📝 Probable Playing XI

🇮🇳 India

Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav.

🇿🇼 Zimbabwe

Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza (C), Tashinga Musekiwa, Tony Munyonga, Dion Myers, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Clive Madande.

⭐ Key Players to Watch

Suryakumar Yadav – India’s explosive captain and match-winner.

Hardik Pandya – Provides balance with both bat and ball.

Sikandar Raza – Zimbabwe’s most experienced all-rounder.

Blessing Muzarabani – Can trouble Indian batters with pace and bounce.

📺 Where to Watch IND vs ZIM Live?

Cricket fans in India can watch the live telecast on Star Sports Network, while online streaming will be available on JioHotstar.

🏆 Match Preview

India will enter this contest as favorites considering their strong squad depth and recent form. However, Zimbabwe have shown resilience in the tournament and cannot be taken lightly.

With the Super 8 qualification race heating up, this match could play a crucial role in deciding the semifinal spots.

Fans can expect an exciting evening of T20 cricket at Chepauk.