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In the T20 World Cup 2026 match against Team India, Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza has won the toss and elected to bowl first at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Zimbabwe will enter the clash with just one change, with Tinotenda Maposa replacing Graeme Cremer.
After winning the toss, Zimbabwe skipper Raza said, “We’ve chosen to bowl first because this Chennai surface looks different from the usual one, with some moisture that should help our seamers early. We want to give our quarterbacks the best chance to make early breakthroughs and set the tone for the game. Fielding and bowling are two areas we have to improve from the last match, and restricting India to a manageable score will lift our energy. It’s a big game for both sides, and pressure will play a major role—whoever handles the nerves better will come out on top. My hand is fine; we didn’t feel the need for an X?ray. We’ve made one tactical change, with Tinotenda Maposa coming in for Graeme Cremer”.
The “Men in Blue” have made two major changes. Sanju Samson has come in the place of Rinku Singh, and Washington Sundar will make way for vice-captain Axar Patel.
On the other hand, Team India captain Suryakumar Yadav said, “We’re completely fine with the decision because we wanted to bat first and put runs on the board. Pressure games often bring out the best in players, and the group feels relaxed, focused, and ready for the moment. Hardik’s pep talk lifted the energy in the camp—he spoke brilliantly, and his experience always adds confidence to the team. From the last game, we want improvements across all departments while staying true to the style we’ve played all year. The message is simple: enjoy the game, forget the noise, and stay fearless. We’ve made two changes—Axar Patel comes in for Washington Sundar, and Sanju Samson replaces Rinku Singh, with Sanju also taking the gloves”.
T20 World Cup 2026, Super 8: India vs Zimbabwe- Confirmed Playing XI
India: Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.
Zimbabwe: Tadiwanashe Marumani (WK), Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza (C), Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani.
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