ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Match 44: 3 West Indies players to watch for in ZIM vs WI

Zimbabwe are set to face West Indies in Match No. 44 of the T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eights (Group A) on February 23 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Zimbabwe emerged as one of the biggest surprises of the tournament, qualifying for the Super Eights without a single loss. They won against Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland, and Oman in the group stage. Meanwhile, the West Indies also advanced unbeaten, registering commanding wins over England, Nepal, Scotland, and Italy.

Here are three West Indies players to watch out for in Match No.44 of the T20 World Cup 2026:

Shai Hope

Wicketkeeper-batter Shai Hope is one of the key players to watch in this crucial encounter. Although he started the tournament quietly with modest outings against Scotland and England, he regained form in the latter half of the group stage. Hope scored an unbeaten 61 against Nepal and followed it up with a fluent 75 against Italy. In four matches, he has accumulated 155 runs at an impressive average of 51.66 and a strike rate of 134.78.

As one of the senior batters in the lineup, Hope’s return to form is a significant boost for West Indies. His ability to anchor the innings while accelerating when required adds stability to the middle order. He has prior experience at the Wankhede Stadium and understands the conditions well and could once again play a match-defining knock. If he bats deep into the innings, West Indies’ chances of posting or chasing down a big total will increase substantially.

Shamar Joseph

Fast bowler Shamar Joseph has been one of the exciting prospects for West Indies in this tournament. He is known for his raw pace and aggression and has consistently troubled opposition batters. While he managed just one wicket each against Scotland, England, and Nepal, he showcased his true potential in the final group-stage game against Italy with impressive figures of 4/30.

Joseph has maintained an impressive economy rate of 7.75 in the tournament. His ability to strike early and generate bounce can be particularly effective at the Wankhede, where conditions often favour pace bowlers under lights. In high-pressure Super Eight clashes, his breakthroughs in the powerplay or death overs could prove vital.

Jason Holder

All-rounder Jason Holder remains a cornerstone of the West Indies setup. With seven wickets in four matches, he has delivered impactful spells despite going wicketless against England and Italy. His standout performances include figures of 3/30 against Scotland and 4/27 versus Nepal, reflecting his experience and composure in key moments.

Holder’s overall T20I record further highlights his consistency, with the all-rounder having claimed 105 wickets in the format. In this tournament, he has bowled at an average of 15.71 with an economy rate of 8.57. Beyond his bowling, his leadership qualities and lower-order batting ability make him a complete package. As West Indies gear up for a challenging contest against a confident Zimbabwe side, Holder’s all-round contribution could once again be decisive.

West Indies squad for T20 World Cup 2026:

Shai Hope (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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