South Africa and Zimbabwe meet in Match 51 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eights, with the result having no bearing on qualification but plenty at stake in terms of momentum and pride. While South Africa look to fine-tune combinations ahead of the semifinals, Zimbabwe aim to end their campaign with a strong performance against one of the tournament’s standout sides.
Match details
Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Date: Saturday, March 01, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM IST, 2:30 PM PST, 9:30 AM GMT
Team overviews
South Africa have been the benchmark team of the T20 World Cup 2026 so far. The Proteas, runners-up of the 2024 edition, have carried that momentum seamlessly into this tournament, winning all six of their matches across the group and Super Eight stages. Their qualification for the semifinals is already secured, allowing them the luxury of experimenting with tactics and combinations before the knockout phase.
The Aiden Markram-led side have impressed with their balance. Their batting unit has combined power with control, while the bowling attack has adapted well to different conditions across venues. With nothing riding on the outcome, South Africa may still push for another win to maintain rhythm and confidence heading into the semifinals.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, enter this contest after a challenging Super Eight phase. Led by Sikandar Raza, they showed promise and resilience during the group stages, emerging as one of the surprise packages of the tournament. However, that form did not translate into the Super Eights, where defeats came thick and fast, resulting in their elimination before the final round of matches.
Despite the disappointment, Zimbabwe will view this game as an opportunity to sign off on a positive note. Facing an in-form South African side, they can play without pressure and test themselves against one of the strongest teams in world cricket.
Key players
South Africa’s captain Aiden Markram has been the standout batter of the competition. He has scored 264 runs at a strike rate of 178.37, consistently setting the tone at the top of the order. His ability to handle both pace and spin makes him a key figure, particularly on a surface that could offer early assistance to bowlers.
In the bowling department, Lungi Ngidi has played a crucial role. The right-arm pacer has picked up 11 wickets in the tournament and has been effective with his variations, especially on slower pitches. His use of cutters and slower balls could be decisive in Delhi conditions.
For Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza remains central to their hopes. Although the team struggled in the Super Eights, Raza’s leadership and all-round contributions have been vital throughout the tournament. Brian Bennett and Ryan Burl will also be key with the bat if Zimbabwe are to post or chase a competitive total.
Head-to-head record
The head-to-head record in T20 internationals heavily favours South Africa. The two teams have met eight times, with South Africa winning seven matches. One encounter ended in a no result, while Zimbabwe are yet to register a T20I victory against the Proteas. Their most recent meeting came in July 2025, underlining South Africa’s dominance in this matchup.
Pitch report
The Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi has hosted five matches in the T20 World Cup 2026 so far. With the exception of the India versus Namibia fixture, most games here have been relatively low-scoring. The pitch tends to assist spinners early, with the ball gripping and stopping slightly. As the match progresses, batting conditions improve, rewarding teams that build partnerships and pace their innings carefully.
Fast bowlers who rely on variations rather than sheer pace have also found success, making it a venue where adaptability is crucial.
Probable playing XIs
Zimbabwe: Tadiwanashe Marumani (wicketkeeper), Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza (captain), Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava
South Africa: Aiden Markram (captain), Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
Probable match scenarios
If Zimbabwe bat first, they will aim to navigate the powerplay cautiously before accelerating through Raza and Burl in the middle overs. South Africa are likely to test their bench strength but will still look to control the game through disciplined bowling.
If South Africa bat first, their depth allows them to adapt to any surface. A total around the par score could be enough given their bowling strength, particularly if spinners come into play early.
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 sports broadcasters carrying ICC events and their digital platforms. In the UK, licensed sports television channels and their streaming services will provide coverage. Australian audiences can follow the match via authorised ICC broadcast partners and apps. Global viewers can access the game through official ICC television networks and streaming platforms.
Match prediction
Although the match is a dead rubber, South Africa’s consistency, depth, and superior head-to-head record make them firm favourites. Zimbabwe may challenge in phases, but South Africa’s all-round strength gives them a clear edge to finish the Super Eight stage unbeaten.