ZIM vs WI Super 8 - Match 4 Results

5:54 PM IST The captain of Zimbabwe - Sikandar Raza, on being asked about his finger injury, he says he will go for an X-ray tomorrow and is hopeful that everything will be fine. He says the team plans to take an extra day to reset, but stresses that he does not want to focus on venues or any change of country. He feels that thinking along those lines would only distract them from learning the right lessons from the game. For him, he says, what matters is improvement, not excuses. He adds that if Zimbabwe are good enough to progress, they must be able to play quality cricket anywhere, be it here or in Sri Lanka. Speaking about the conditions, Raza mentions that they expected the pitch to remain flat, but it began to turn, and that is where they lost control. From an experience point of view, he terms it a valuable game, saying the players will learn how to bowl on slower surfaces and how to handle batters who can strike the ball powerfully over long distances. He also notes that if they find themselves in similar conditions again, especially at smaller venues against sides like West Indies, the lessons from this game will be useful. On the chase, Raza reveals that there was a phase where he felt even 18 runs anover in the last seven overs was achievable on that ground, given how well the ball travels when struck cleanly. Details that the plan was to keep ticking along at around 12 or 13 an over without taking undue risks, which they managed for a while. However, he admits that Gudakesh Motie’s spell changed the entire complexion of the game. Still, he maintains that with two set batters, a lot of runs can be scored in the final overs at this venue. Despite the heavy defeat, Raza says that they always step out with the intent to win and to earn respect through strong performances. Looking ahead, he says that facing India will be another big test, with both teams having something to prove. He concludes by saying Zimbabwe will take the lessons from this game, use their understanding of conditions in Chennai, and aim to put in a better performance.

5:54 PM IST The victorious captain of West Indies - Shai Hope says that they all enjoyed that batting performance. Adds that it was good to see Powell getting some runs as well. Mentions that he didn't think it would spin that much on this wicket, and Motie along with Hosein, were excellent in these conditions. Says that you can't neglect time off from the game, and that has helped Motie, who has come back stronger and with new skills. Admits that there are a few areas that needs improvement and they will address that. King hasn't got the runs but he was in great form before the World Cup and they are backing him to come up with the goods. Ends by saying that they look at the opposition's strengths weakness, and make tactical changes and sometimes on form, but they feel it's better not to make too many changes.

5:54 PM IST The road ahead - So after South Africa thrashing India in Ahmedabad, West Indies continue their love affair with the Wankhede as they demolish Zimbabwe in all departments to take a massive leap in the Super Eights. They will now travel to Ahmedabad to face South Africa for their next assignment. And boy, that is going to be a delicious clash between two teams working in perfect sync. That game will be played on Thursday, 26th February, in an afternoon game. Whereas for Zimbabwe, they move down south to Chennai to go up against India on the same day, in the night game. Both teams will be searching for their first wins in the Super Eights and a defeat would almost extinguish their chances of moving forward.

5:54 PM IST What's next? The Super Eight stage continues in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, 2026 as England go up against Pakistan at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, 24th February. The first ball is scheduled to be bowled at 1.30 pm GMT. But as you all know, you can join us in advance to catch all the pre-match analysis and the buildup. Until then, we sign off, cheers.

5:39 PM IST ... Let's hear what the two captains have to say ...

5:37 PM IST The difference makers - In stark contrast between the spinners of both teams, Zimbabwe struggled badly to contain the flow of runs, leaking 90 in a combined 7 overs for just one wicket. Meanwhile, Motie and Hosein bossed it up with their smart variations, sharing seven wickets between them while conceding only 56 runs in their 8 overs, including two maidens as well. Another key difference lay in the six hitting. If not for Evans landing a few lusty blows at the back end, the numbers would have looked even more lopsided for the Chevrons. Zimbabwe managed 12 sixes, while West Indies cleared the ropes 19 times. Add to that the sharper effort in the field from West Indies, and it neatly summed up the gulf between the two sides.