T20 World Cup 2026: Super Eights, Match 51, ZIM vs SA – Top 3 player battles to watch out for

Published - 28 Feb 2026, 20:21 IST | Updated - 28 Feb 2026, 20:23 IST

Zimbabwe will be taking on Aiden Markram-led South Africa in the Match 51 of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on March 1.

Even though the clash is a dead-rubber with Zimbabwe already out of the tournament and South Africa having progressed to the next round, a win against the Proteas would give the Chevrons a much-needed boost, as they have already punched above their weight to qualify for the Super 8 stage.

South Africa, on the other hand, have been sensational during the whole course of the tournament, having won all of their matches so far. They would want to enter the semis with a win under their belt.

This battle between fast-bowler Blessing Muzarabani and David Miller could decide the course of the match. Muzarabani has been in top form, producing some of the best spells of the tournament. The 29-year-old has picked up 12 wickets, but will face Miller challenge in the death overs.

Miller, with his vast experience, will be up for the challenge. He has also had a pretty good tournament so far, scoring 146 runs in four innings. If he takes on Muzarabani, the Proteas will have an upper hand in the death overs.

South Africa’s captain Aiden Markram will go head-to-head with Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza. Markram has been leading from the front with the bat all tournament. If he manages to get a good start, Sikandar Raza will be tasked to control him.

The World No. 1-ranked T20I all-rounder, Raza has the capacity to outfox any batter with his mystery spin, which will pose a threat to the right-hand batter. Whoever wins the battle will provide great help to their respective team.

Bennett has been the find of the tournament, after showcasing some of the best batting exhibition. He has scored 277 runs in just five innings and the right-hander has just been dismissed once throughout the tournament. He would want to finish the campaign on a high.

Up against him will be in-form Lungi Ngidi. The medium pacer for South Africa has been in brilliant form with the ball for the Proteas, picking up wickets at crucial stages of the innings. Markram would want him to outclass Bennett and derail Zimbabwe’s innings at the start.