Zimbabwe vs Oman ICC World Cup 2026: Match Prediction, Playing XI, Pitch Report & Who Will Win ZIM vs OMN
The Zimbabwe vs Oman ICC World Cup 2026 fixture is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing early contests of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Scheduled as the 8th T20I of the tournament, the ZIM vs OMN T20I World Cup match will be played at the iconic Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo on Monday, February 9.
While Zimbabwe enter the tournament as a Full Member nation desperate to reassert themselves on the global stage, Oman arrive with the confidence of a well-drilled Associate side that has made consistency its trademark. With both teams aiming to secure early momentum in Group B, the Zimbabwe vs Oman ICC World Cup 2026 clash could play a decisive role in shaping qualification scenarios.
Zimbabwe vs Oman ICC World Cup 2026: Match Details
| Match | Zimbabwe vs Oman – 8th T20I |
|---|---|
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Date | Monday, February 9, 2026 |
| Time | 3:00 PM IST (Toss at 2:30 PM IST) |
| Venue | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo |
| Live Telecast | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar |
Zimbabwe vs Oman ICC World Cup 2026: Match Preview
The ZIM vs OMN T20I World Cup match brings together two teams at very different points in their cricketing journeys.
Zimbabwe are making a much-anticipated return to the T20 World Cup after missing the previous edition — a setback that forced the team to rebuild its structure and mentality. Under the leadership of Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe now look more composed, aggressive, and tactically aware.
Oman, meanwhile, continue to punch above their weight. This is their fourth T20 World Cup appearance in the last five editions, a remarkable achievement for an Associate nation. Led by Jatinder Singh, Oman thrive on discipline, calculated aggression, and a fearless approach against higher-ranked opponents.
The Zimbabwe vs Oman ICC World Cup 2026 contest is therefore not just a match — it is a clash of redemption versus recognition.
Team Analysis: Zimbabwe (ZIM)
Zimbabwe head into the ZIM vs OMN T20I World Cup match with renewed belief and a more balanced squad compared to previous tournaments.
Zimbabwe Strengths –
- Explosive Top Order: Brian Bennett’s aggressive intent at the top, combined with Brendan Taylor’s experience, gives Zimbabwe early momentum.
- All-Round Depth: Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, and Tony Munyonga provide flexibility with both bat and ball.
- Pace Firepower: Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava form a potent new-ball attack, especially effective on Colombo surfaces.
Zimbabwe Concerns –
- Middle-Order Stability: Zimbabwe have occasionally struggled to maintain momentum after the powerplay.
- Spin Reliance: Much depends on Sikandar Raza and Wellington Masakadza in spin-friendly conditions.
- Pressure of Expectations: As a Full Member nation, Zimbabwe are expected to win — pressure that can test temperament.
Players to Watch – Zimbabwe
- Brian Bennett: Capable of changing the game inside the powerplay.
- Sikandar Raza: Zimbabwe’s most influential all-rounder and leader.
- Blessing Muzarabani: Early breakthroughs could decide the match.
Team Analysis: Oman (OMN)
Oman may not carry the reputation of Zimbabwe, but they are far from underprepared in the Zimbabwe vs Oman ICC World Cup 2026 encounter.
Oman Strengths –
- Spin Bowling Arsenal: Sufyan Mehmood and Shakeel Ahmed can control the middle overs.
- Team Discipline: Oman rarely beat themselves; they are sharp in the field and tactically aware.
- Underdog Mindset: Freedom from expectations often makes them dangerous.
Oman Concerns –
- Batting Depth: Lack of explosive hitters in the lower order.
- Pace Bowling Threat: May struggle against Zimbabwe’s power hitters.
- Sustaining Pressure: Maintaining intensity for 40 overs remains a challenge.
Players to Watch – Oman
- Aamir Kaleem: Reliable all-rounder who anchors innings.
- Jatinder Singh: Captain who sets the tone at the top.
- Sufyan Mehmood: Key spinner on a slowing pitch.
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Zimbabwe vs Oman T20 World Cup 2026: Pitch Report
The Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo, traditionally offers a balanced surface.
Pitch Characteristics –
- Early movement for fast bowlers
- Batting-friendly powerplay overs
- Increasing assistance for spinners as the match progresses
- Chasing becomes difficult under lights
Average Scores –
| Innings | Average Score |
|---|---|
| First Innings | 150–160 |
| Second Innings | 140–150 |
A total above 155 could be decisive in the Zimbabwe vs Oman ICC World Cup 2026 match.
ZIM vs OMN T20I World Cup Match: Weather Report
Colombo is expected to witness typical tropical conditions.
| Condition | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Around 32°C |
| Rain Probability | 10% |
| Humidity | 54% |
| Wind Speed | 21 km/h |
Minor interruptions are possible, but a full ZIM vs OMN T20I World Cup match is likely.
Zimbabwe vs Oman Head-to-Head Record:
This will be the first official T20I meeting between Zimbabwe and Oman in a World Cup match, adding unpredictability to the contest.
Zimbabwe vs Oman ICC World Cup 2026: Probable Playing XI
Zimbabwe Probable XI:
- Brian Bennett
- Brendan Taylor (wk)
- Dion Myers
- Sikandar Raza (c)
- Ryan Burl
- Tony Munyonga
- Clive Madande
- Brad Evans
- Wellington Masakadza
- Blessing Muzarabani
- Richard Ngarava
Oman Probable XI:
- Aamir Kaleem
- Hammad Mirza
- Jatinder Singh (c)
- Karan Sonavale
- Wasim Ali
- Jiten Ramanandi
- Vinayak Shukla (wk)
- Nadeem Khan
- Sufyan Mehmood
- Shah Faisal
- Shakeel Ahmed
ZIM vs OMN Toss Prediction
Toss could play a vital role in the Zimbabwe vs Oman ICC World Cup 2026 fixture.
Venue Toss Trends –
- Teams bowling first won 2 of last 3 T20 matches
- Chasing sides have enjoyed marginal success
Toss Preference: Bowl first
Zimbabwe vs Oman Match Scenarios
Scenario 1
- Toss: Zimbabwe bowl first
- Oman Powerplay: 40–45
- Oman Total: 135–155
- Winner: Zimbabwe
Scenario 2
- Toss: Oman bowl first
- Zimbabwe Powerplay: 45–50
- Zimbabwe Total: 150–165
- Winner: Zimbabwe
ZIM vs OMN T20I World Cup Match Comparison
| Aspect | Zimbabwe | Oman |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Depth | Strong | Moderate |
| Bowling Variety | High | Spin-heavy |
| Experience | High | Moderate |
| Big-Match Temperament | Proven | Emerging |
Who Will Win Today’s Zimbabwe vs Oman ICC World Cup 2026 Match?
On paper, Zimbabwe have a clear edge in the ZIM vs OMN T20I World Cup match. Their batting firepower, pace attack, and experience in pressure situations give them a significant advantage.
However, Oman cannot be written off. If their top order survives the powerplay and spinners dominate the middle overs, an upset remains possible.
Final Prediction
✅ Zimbabwe to win the Zimbabwe vs Oman ICC World Cup 2026 match
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1. When is the Zimbabwe vs Oman ICC World Cup 2026 match?
The match will be played on Monday, February 9, 2026, starting at 3:00 PM IST.
Q2. Where is the ZIM vs OMN T20I World Cup match being played?
At the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo.
Q3. Where can I watch Zimbabwe vs Oman live?
Live telecast on Star Sports Network and live streaming on JioHotstar.
Q4. Who is the favorite to win ZIM vs OMN today?
Zimbabwe are favorites based on squad balance and experience.
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