India will face Zimbabwe in Match No. 48 of the Super Eight (Group A) in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on February 25 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. India topped their group in the initial stage, registering victories over Pakistan, Namibia, USA, and the Netherlands. However, they suffered a 76-run defeat against South Africa in their first Super Eight fixture in Ahmedabad, failing to chase down the target. The Men in Blue now find themselves in a must-win situation to remain in contention for a semi-final berth.
Zimbabwe, on the other hand, entered the Super Eight as one of the surprise packages of the tournament. They remained unbeaten in the group stage, defeating Sri Lanka, Australia, Oman. However, their momentum was halted by a heavy defeat against the West Indies in their Super Eight opener. They will be eager to bounce back strongly against India in Chennai.
Here are three India players to watch out for in Match No.48 of the T20 World Cup 2026:
Ishan Kishan
Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been in impressive form in the tournament. The left-hander has scored 176 runs in five matches, including two half-centuries. He made 20 against USA and 18 in another group game, before producing a brilliant 61 against Namibia and a fluent 77 versus Pakistan. However, in the Super Eight clash against South Africa, he was dismissed for a duck by Aiden Markram.
Overall, Kishan has scored 1187 runs in 41 T20Is at a strike rate of 144.05, including one century and nine fifties. His aggressive starts at the top will be crucial in setting the tone for India in what is a must-win encounter.
Varun Chakravarthy
Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy has been one of India’s standout bowlers in the World Cup. He has taken 10 wickets in five matches, including figures of 1/24 against USA, 3/7 against Namibia, 2/17 versus Pakistan, and 3/14 against the Netherlands. Although he conceded 47 runs in his four overs against South Africa while taking one wicket, the Chennai surface is expected to assist spin.
In 41 T20Is, Chakravarthy has claimed 69 wickets at an average of 15 and an economy rate of 7.11, including one four-wicket haul and two five-wicket hauls. His spell in the middle overs could prove decisive.
Jasprit Bumrah
Ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah remains India’s biggest bowling threat. He took four wickets across three group-stage matches, including figures of 1/20, 2/17, and 1/17. In the Super Eight clash against South Africa, Bumrah delivered a masterclass performance, finishing with 3/15 while other bowlers struggled.
His ability to strike early and control the death overs makes him vital in high-pressure games. India will rely heavily on Bumrah’s experience and precision to secure a much-needed victory against Zimbabwe.
India squad for T20 World Cup 2026:
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh
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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