T20 World Cup: Zimbabwe choose to field after winning toss against West Indies in Super Eight clash

MUMBAI (Dunya News) – Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza won the toss and elected to field first against West Indies in their Super Eight fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at Wankhede Stadium on Monday.

The high-stakes encounter marks the 44th match of the tournament, with both sides entering the contest unbeaten from the group stage. West Indies skipper Shai Hope admitted he too would have preferred to bowl first, highlighting the expected assistance for bowlers early in the evening.

Zimbabwe and West Indies are meeting for only the fifth time in T20 Internationals, adding further intrigue to an evenly matched contest.

Team changes

West Indies welcomed back seam-bowling all-rounder Romario Shepherd, who had missed the previous two matches due to a leg injury. He replaced offspin all-rounder Roston Chase, while Matthew Forde retained his place in the playing XI.

Zimbabwe also made a notable adjustment, with left-arm quick Richard Ngarava declared fit and returning to the side in place of left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza.

Ahead of the match, Raza had indicated he would rely on Ngarava’s own assessment of fitness before finalising the team. Observers at the venue noted the pacer spent considerable time preparing and consulting with bowling coach Courtney Walsh before the game.

There were, however, indications that the fixture may have come slightly early in Ngarava’s recovery timeline, although Zimbabwe ultimately included the tall seamer in the starting XI.

Playing XIs

West Indies: Brandon King, Shai Hope (capt, wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph

Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza (capt), Tashinga Musekiwa, Tony Munyonga, Dion Myers, Brad Evans, Graeme Cremer, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani