Zimbabwe and Oman meet in Match No. 8 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with both sides aiming to secure early momentum in the group stage. The contest at Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club Ground brings together a returning Zimbabwe side and an Oman team known for punching above its weight in global tournaments.
Match details
Venue: Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo
Date: Monday, February 9, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM IST, 1:30 AM PST, 9:30 AM GMT
Tournament context
This fixture holds importance for both teams as the group stage begins to take shape. Zimbabwe return to the T20 World Cup after missing the previous edition and will look to re-establish themselves at the global level. Oman, meanwhile, continue their steady rise with another World Cup appearance and approach this match as an opportunity to challenge a higher-ranked opponent. Early points in the tournament often define qualification paths, making this encounter a key one for both camps.
Zimbabwe team overview
Zimbabwe arrive with renewed confidence under the leadership of Sikandar Raza. In past tournaments, the team struggled to maintain consistency during group stages, but the current squad reflects better balance and maturity. Their top order carries firepower, while the presence of multiple all-rounders allows flexibility in both batting depth and bowling combinations.
Brian Bennett has emerged as a reliable option at the top, combining timing with intent, while Brendan Taylor adds experience behind the stumps and with the bat. The middle order revolves around Raza and Ryan Burl, both capable of shifting momentum quickly. Zimbabwe’s bowling attack has improved significantly, with Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava offering pace and bounce, supported by Wellington Masakadza’s control in the spin department. Zimbabwe will aim to set the tone early and use their superior depth to control the match phases.
Oman team overview
Oman may lack the exposure of some Full Member nations, but their record of consistent qualification reflects steady development. This is their fourth T20 World Cup appearance in the last five editions, underlining their ability to compete at the associate level. Led by Jatinder Singh, Oman prefer aggressive cricket combined with disciplined execution.
Their recent warm-up performances have been encouraging, particularly with the bat. Aamir Kaleem plays a vital role as a stabilising presence, while Jatinder Singh remains the key figure for quick scoring at the top. Oman’s bowling unit focuses on accuracy rather than express pace, with spinners and medium pacers expected to play an important role on Colombo’s balanced surface. Oman will look to stay competitive through partnerships and force Zimbabwe into errors.
Head-to-head record
Zimbabwe and Oman have not faced each other in T20 internationals before. This match marks their first head-to-head meeting, adding an element of unpredictability to the contest.
Pitch report: Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo
The Sinhalese Sports Club Ground traditionally offers a balanced wicket. Batters enjoy good value for shots early in the innings, especially against the new ball. As the match progresses, seamers find movement with subtle variations, while spinners gain assistance from the surface. Recent T20 matches here suggest that totals in the range of 150 to 160 can be challenging for teams batting second, making smart use of the powerplay crucial.
Probable playing XIs
Zimbabwe are expected to field Brian Bennett, Brendan Taylor as wicketkeeper, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza as captain, Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Clive Madande, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, and Richard Ngarava.
Oman’s probable XI includes Aamir Kaleem, Hammad Mirza, Jatinder Singh as captain, Karan Sonavale, Wasim Ali, Jiten Ramanandi, Vinayak Shukla as wicketkeeper, Nadeem Khan, Sufyan Mehmood, Shah Faisal, and Shakeel Ahmed.
Key players to watch
Brian Bennett shapes as Zimbabwe’s standout batter, given his recent form and ability to score at a high strike rate. Sikandar Raza remains central to Zimbabwe’s plans, offering leadership, control with the ball, and finishing ability with the bat. For Oman, Aamir Kaleem’s role becomes critical, particularly if early wickets fall, as his composure can anchor the innings and keep the scoring rate in check.
Live streaming and broadcast information
In India, the match will be televised on the Star Sports Network, with live streaming available on the JioHotstar app and website. Viewers in Pakistan can follow the game through official ICC broadcast partners on television and their authorised digital platforms. In the United Kingdom, the match will be available on ICC rights-holding sports channels and streaming services. Australian audiences can watch through local broadcasters with ICC rights and their official apps. Global viewers can access the match via ICC-approved TV networks and digital platforms in their respective regions.
Match prediction
Zimbabwe appear to hold an advantage due to their stronger batting depth and greater all-round options. Oman’s disciplined approach and recent momentum suggest they will remain competitive, particularly if they control the powerplay overs. Conditions in Colombo favour teams that manage resources smartly, and the side that handles the middle overs better is likely to dictate terms. Zimbabwe’s balance and experience give them a slight edge, but Oman possess the structure to challenge if early opportunities go their way.
