India will look to revive their Super Eight campaign when they face Zimbabwe in Match 48 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Chennai. Zimbabwe, coming off a heavy defeat themselves, face a stern challenge against a wounded but dangerous Indian side.
Match details
Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM IST, 6:30 PM PST, 1:30 PM GMT
Team overviews
India enter this IND vs ZIM Super Eight clash under pressure after suffering a crushing 76-run defeat against South Africa in their opening match of the phase. That loss exposed gaps in both their bowling execution and middle-order stability. A blistering half-century by David Miller and a devastating four-wicket spell from Marco Jansen put India on the back foot early, and they never recovered. With qualification scenarios tightening, the Men in Blue now need a convincing response to stay in contention.
Despite the setback, India still possess depth and firepower across departments. Their batting unit features aggressive openers and dynamic middle-order players, while their bowling attack combines pace, swing, and mystery spin. Playing at home conditions in Chennai could play a major role in allowing India to reset and assert control.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, began their Super Eight journey on a disappointing note with a massive 107-run defeat to West Indies. After turning heads earlier in the tournament with spirited performances, they struggled to contain the Caribbean batting and then collapsed during the chase. That result severely dented their net run rate and has left them with little margin for error.
However, Zimbabwe have shown throughout the competition that they can challenge stronger sides when their top order fires and their bowlers strike early. Facing India at Chepauk is a daunting task, but the underdogs will look to play fearless cricket and restore belief.
Key players
For India, Ishan Kishan stands out as a crucial batter. The left-handed opener has scored 176 runs in five matches at a strike rate close to 200, providing explosive starts at the top. His intent in the powerplay will be vital in setting the tone on a pitch where early momentum often decides the contest.
Varun Chakravarthy remains India’s biggest weapon with the ball. The mystery spinner has taken 10 wickets in five games at an excellent average of 10.90. On a Chennai surface known to assist spin, his control and variations could trouble Zimbabwe’s middle order.
Zimbabwe’s hopes largely rest on captain Sikandar Raza, whose all-round influence often defines their performances, and pace spearhead Blessing Muzarabani, who will be tasked with making early inroads against India’s top order.
Head-to-head record
India and Zimbabwe have faced each other 13 times in T20 internationals. India have won 10 matches, while Zimbabwe have secured three victories. Their most recent meeting came in July 2024, with India maintaining their overall dominance in the rivalry.
Pitch report
The Chepauk surface traditionally offers good value for stroke play, with first-innings scores in the 170 to 180 range achievable. As the match progresses, spinners tend to come into play, especially if they bowl disciplined lines and vary their pace. Teams batting first often enjoy a slight advantage, particularly under lights when the pitch slows down.
Probable playing XIs
India: Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wicketkeeper), Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza (captain), Tashinga Musekiwa, Tony Munyonga, Dion Myers, Brad Evans, Graeme Cremer, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani
Probable match scenarios
If India bat first, they are likely to attack aggressively in the powerplay through Kishan and Abhishek Sharma, aiming for a total above 190. Zimbabwe will try to counter this by using pace early and spin in the middle overs to restrict scoring. If Zimbabwe bat first, India’s bowlers will focus on early wickets, knowing that pressure often forces errors against quality spin.
Live streaming and broadcast
In India, the match will be broadcast on JioStar Network channels and streamed on the JioHotstar app and website. Viewers in Pakistan can watch through official regional sports broadcasters carrying ICC events. In the UK, coverage will be available on licensed sports television channels and their digital platforms. Australian viewers can follow the match on official ICC broadcast partners and streaming apps. Global audiences can access the game via authorised ICC broadcast networks and digital services.
Match prediction
India start as clear favourites due to home conditions, superior depth, and greater experience in high-pressure matches. Zimbabwe have the ability to compete if they strike early and bat with freedom, but over 40 overs of consistency, India’s quality should prevail. A strong Indian performance batting first could decisively tilt the contest in their favour.