India will face Zimbabwe in the 48th match of the Super 8 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. Both India and Zimbabwe had a disappointing start to the Super 8s, suffering defeats in their opening matches. The Indian team lost by 76 runs to South Africa. Batting first, South Africa scored 187 runs in their allotted 20 overs, and in response, India were all out for just 111. Shivam Dube was the team's highest scorer, scoring 42 runs off 37 balls. This defeat significantly dented India's run rate, and they currently sit at the bottom of the points table. The upcoming two matches will be crucial for them.

On the other hand, Zimbabwe suffered a 107-run defeat at the hands of the West Indies. The West Indies posted a total of 254 runs in their 20 overs. In response, Zimbabwe were all out for 147 in 17.4 overs. Brad Evans was the highest run-scorer for Zimbabwe, scoring 43 runs off 21 balls.

Also Read: Qualification Scenario for Pakistan explained: How can Pakistan qualify for Semi Finals of T20 World Cup 2026

NZ-W vs ZIM-W, 1st T20I: Head-to-head, pitch report and predicted playing XIs

IND vs ZIM Match Details

• Match: India vs Zimbabwe, 48th Match

• Date: 26th February 2026

• Time: 7:00 PM IST

• Venue:  MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai 

• Live Streaming: JioHotstar 

IND vs ZIM Weather Report

Pitch Report - MA Chidambaram Stadium

The Chennai pitch has been batting-friendly in this World Cup so far. The average score in the matches played so far has been between 175 to 200. On the same pitch, New Zealand easily achieved the target of 180 plus runs against Afghanistan.

• Batting-friendly surface 

• High-scoring ground

• Quick outfield 

IND vs ZIM Recent Form

IND vs ZIM Head-to-Head Record (T20I)

• IND Wins - 10

• ZIM Wins - 3

Top Batters to Watch – IND vs ZIM

• Brian Bennett (ZIM): 180 runs in this tournament 

• Suryakumar Yadav (IND): 180 runs in this tournament 

• Ishan Kishan (IND): 176 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowlers to Watch – IND vs ZIM

• Blessing Muzarabani (ZIM): 11 wickets in this tournament 

• Varun Chakravarthy (IND): 10 wickets in this tournament 

• Brad Evans (ZIM): 9 wickets in this tournament 

IND vs ZIM Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1: If ZIM bats first

• Powerplay Score: 40–45

• Predicted Total: 135–150

• Match Result: IND to win

Scenario 2: If NZ bats first

• Powerplay Score: 60–70

• Predicted Total: 190–210

• Match Result: IND to win

Who Will Hit the Most Sixes?

Who Will Hit the Most Fours?

IND vs ZIM Predicted Playing XIs

India

Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan(w), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh.

Zimbabwe

Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani(w), Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza(c), Tashinga Musekiwa, Tony Munyonga, Dion Myers, Brad Evans, Graeme Cremer, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani.

Why India is the favourite

• Excellent top-order

• Good pace bowler 

• Varun Chakravarthy's recent form

IND vs ZIM Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today?

Based on current form, team balance, and superior batting strength, India are the favourites to win this ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube and Ishan Kishan are expected to be the key performers.

Winning chances

IND: 90%

ZIM: 10%

IND vs ZIM Match FAQs