Chennai will light up on 26th February at 7:00 PM IST when India battle Zimbabwe in the forty-eighth match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at MA Chidambaram Stadium. The evening contest promises high intensity as both sides push for momentum in this crucial stage of the tournament.
Get the best IND vs ZIM Dream11 prediction, fantasy cricket tips, probable playing XI, and match insights for the 48th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Expert analysis and more.
IND vs ZIM Match Preview:
Pressure will peak when India face Zimbabwe in the forty-eighth match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Thursday, 26 February 2026. Moreover, this Group 1 Super 8 encounter will begin at 7:00 PM IST at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, where India must respond immediately to protect their semi-final hopes. The Chepauk pitch generally slows down as the match progresses and often rewards quality spin. Therefore, the captain who wins the toss may prefer to set a target and allow the bowlers to exploit a wearing surface later in the evening.
India arrive after suffering a 76-run defeat against South Africa, a result that pushed their Net Run Rate down to -3.8 and intensified the stakes. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe also endured a heavy setback, losing by 107 runs to the West Indies after conceding 254. Consequently, both sides step into this contest knowing that only a decisive performance will keep their campaign alive.
Jasprit Bumrah impressed in India’s previous outing with figures of 3 for 15, while Shivam Dube contributed 42 during a chase of 188 that ultimately collapsed at 111. On the other hand, Brad Evans struck a rapid 43 off 21 balls against West Indies, and Richard Ngarava, alongside Blessing Muzarabani, collected two wickets each despite the high total. Historically, India lead the head-to-head 10-3 in 13 meetings; however, Zimbabwe’s recent upset over Australia highlights their threat. Therefore, Chennai braces for a tense battle where execution under pressure will determine survival.
Also Read: Sikandar Raza ruled out of India clash? Official medical bulletin issued
IND vs ZIM Head-to-Head Record:
|
Teams |
Matches Won |
|
India |
10 |
|
Zimbabwe |
3 |
IND vs ZIM Weather & Pitch Report:
|
Temperature |
29°C |
|
Weather Forecast |
Clear Sky |
|
Pitch Behaviour |
Balanced |
|
Best Suited To |
Spin |
|
Average 1st innings score |
156 |
Record of chasing teams:
|
Records |
Good |
|
Winning % |
59% |
IND vs ZIM Playing 11s (Predicted):
India Playing 11:
1) Ishan Kishan (wk)
2) Abhishek Sharma
3) Sanju Samson
4) Tilak Varma
5) Suryakumar Yadav ©
6) Hardik Pandya
7) Shivam Dube
8) Axar Patel
9) Arshdeep Singh
10) Varun Chakaravarthy
11) Jasprit Bumrah
Zimbabwe Playing 11:
1) Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk)
2) Ryan Burl
3) Brian Bennett
4) Sikandar Raza ©
5) Tashinga Musekiwa
6) Tony Munyonga
7) Dion Myers
8) Brad Evans
9) Graeme Cremer
10) Richard Ngarava
11) Blessing Muzarabani
Hot Picks for IND vs ZIM Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Cricket Tips:
Captaincy Picks:
|
Abhishek Sharma – Enterprising left-handed opening batter and slow left-arm orthodox bowler for India has added 15 runs and taken 2 wickets in 5 matches, responding positively with a brisk cameo in the Super 8 clash against South Africa. |
|
Ishan Kishan – Explosive left-handed opener representing India has compiled 176 runs in 5 fixtures, featuring a blistering 77 off 40 balls versus Pakistan and a commanding 61 against Namibia. |
Top Picks:
|
Suryakumar Yadav – Visionary captain and elite right-handed stroke-maker for India has accumulated 164 runs in 5 games. |
|
Hardik Pandya – Influential right-handed all-rounder for India has contributed 75 runs and secured 5 wickets in 5 outings |
Budget Picks:
|
Ryan Burl – Resourceful right-handed batter and leg-break option for Zimbabwe has produced 58 runs and 2 wickets in 4 appearances, reinforcing the middle order with a determined 35 while supplying timely breakthroughs. |
|
Blessing Muzarabani – Commanding right-arm fast-medium spearhead for Zimbabwe has claimed 9 wickets in 4 matches, including a devastating 4/17 that dismantled Australia and underscored his match-winning authority. |
IND vs ZIM ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Captain and Vice-captain Choices:
|
Captain |
Ishan Kishan & Abhishek Sharma |
|
Vice-Captain |
Hardik Pandya & Suryakumar Yadav |
IND vs ZIM Dream11 Prediction Team 1:
- Keeper – Ishan Kishan ©
- Batters – Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma
- All-rounders – Sikandar Raza, Hardik Pandya (vc), Shivam Dube, Brad Evans, Brian Bennett
- Bowlers – Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy
IND vs ZIM Dream11 Prediction Team 2:
- Keeper – Ishan Kishan
- Batters – Suryakumar Yadav (vc), Abhishek Sharma ©
- All-rounders – Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Hardik Pandya, Brad Evans, Brian Bennett
- Bowlers – Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Blessing Muzarabani
IND vs ZIM Dream11 Prediction Today Match 48 ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Players to Avoid:
|
Players |
Dream11 Credits |
Dream11 Points (Last match) |
|
Rinku Singh |
7.5 credits |
NA |
|
Tony Munyonga |
6.5 credits |
NA |
IND vs ZIM Dream11 Prediction Today Match 48 ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Expert Advice:
|
SL Captaincy Choice |
Ishan Kishan |
|
GL Captaincy Choice |
Abhishek Sharma |
|
Punt Picks |
Blessing Muzarabani and Ryan Burl |
|
Dream11 Combination |
1-3-5-2 |
IND vs ZIM Match Winner Prediction:
Given their overall formation and balance, India look set to claim the win.
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