Match Details
- Match: India vs Zimbabwe – 48th Match, Super 8 Group 1
- Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
- Date: Thu, 26 Feb 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM Local / 7:00 PM IST
- Live Telecast: Star Sports Network
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar
Probable Playing XI
India Probable XI:
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Ishan Kishan (wk), Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Varun Chakaravarthy, Rinku Singh
Zimbabwe Probable XI:
Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Clive Madande (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans
Pitch Report
The M.A. Chidambaram Stadium pitch in Chennai traditionally assists batters but also offers value for spinners as the surface slows later in the innings. Pacers can get movement early, especially under lights. A total around 170–185 is expected to be competitive in this Super 8 contest.
Weather Report
Chennai in late February remains hot and humid, with clear skies and minimal rain forecast. Temperatures during the evening match are expected around 30–33 °C, and dew may play a role in the second innings.
Key Players to Watch
India: Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Jasprit Bumrah
Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Clive Madande
Zimbabwe’s confidence has surged after big wins in the group stage, while India will be looking to stabilize their Super 8 campaign after a heavy loss to South Africa.
Match Prediction
India’s depth and experience give them the edge on paper, but Zimbabwe’s fearless approach and recent upsets make them a dangerous opponent. If Zimbabwe can strike early and expose India’s middle order under pressure, this match could be closer than expected.
Expect a high-intensity Super 8 fixture where momentum and handling pressure in the middle overs could decide the winner.