T20 World Cup 2026: Super Eights, Match 48, IND vs ZIM – Top 3 player battles to watch out for

India are all set to face Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Thursday, February 26. This is going to be the 48th match in the ongoing T20 World Cup. This match is going to be crucial for both teams as the loser will have to bid farewell to their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals.

India won all four of their matches in the first round, including a comprehensive victory against arch-rivals Pakistan. However, they started their campaign in the Super 8 with a defeat to South Africa.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe also topped their group, with stunning wins against Australia and Sri Lanka. However, they were beaten in their first game in the Super 8 by the West Indies. The two-time champions amassed 254/6 before dismissing the Chevrons for 147.

Here are the top 3 player battles to watch out for in IND vs ZIM, T20 WC 2026

3. Ishan Kishan vs Blessing Muzarabani

Ishan Kishan has had a couple of stellar outings with the bat in the 2026 T20 World Cup. However, he was dismissed for a duck in the last game. The wicketkeeper-batter would want to bounce back strongly against Zimbabwe. He will have a mouth-watering encounter with Blessing Muzarabani, who has been impressive in the ongoing tournament. The tall speedster would look to swing the new ball and get Kishan in trouble.

2. Sikandar Raza vs Varun Chakaravarthy

While the likes of Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani have performed decently in the tournament, Zimbabwe’s hopes will rest on their talismanic captain Sikandar Raza. However, he will be tested in the middle overs by in-form mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy. The latter has bamboozled many a batter with his trickery and his encounter against Raza would be a great to watch for cricket enthusiasts.

1. Suryakumar Yadav vs Sikandar Raza 

Suryakumar Yadav has blown hot and cold in the tournament. After being dismissed cheaply against South Africa, some fans and experts have vehemently criticised him. However, if Suryakumar clicks on Thursday, he could single-handedly win the game for India. However, his opposite number Sikandar Raza will look to get him out before he could get his eye in.