Daren Sammy: Zimbabwe extra motivated for Super Eights clash

Daren Sammy speaking at a press conference — West Indies coach previews Super Eights match

MUMBAI — West Indies head coach Daren Sammy says Zimbabwe will be carrying extra motivation into Monday’s Super Eights match after topping a difficult first‑round group, and warned his side to expect a confident, well‑prepared opponent at the Wankhede Stadium.

Sammy pointed to Zimbabwe’s unbeaten run in the opening phase, which included shock wins over co‑hosts Sri Lanka and former champions Australia, as a source of momentum that can galvanise a team.

“I’m pretty sure Zimbabwe, looking at that group there, gave them motivation and inspiration to come out and play the way they played,” Sammy told reporters. “Like us, they are very confident, they are playing some good cricket. T20 is a format that brings teams closer together. There’s no clear‑cut winner.”

Both sides advanced from the group stage without defeat, a surprising outcome that has raised expectations for an open, competitive Super Eights phase. Sammy noted the psychological edge that underdog status can provide.

“I could understand from that standpoint, where nobody gives you a chance, how you could use that as inspiration,” 

He said, adding that Zimbabwe’s recent results will have strengthened their belief.

Sammy also highlighted the West Indies’ own strengths going into the fixture. For the first time in a long while, the squad is at near full availability, giving the coaching staff more selection options and balance.

“It’s the first time in a long time that we’ve had every single person that is available for West Indies playing. Plus, the guys believe they could do something special,” he said. That optimism, Sammy suggested, underpins the team’s preparation and mindset.

The two teams last met in the T20 World Cup in October 2022, when West Indies won by 31 runs en route to a tournament that saw England crowned champions. Monday’s encounter at the Wankhede Stadium promises to be another high‑intensity contest, with both sides carrying confidence and momentum from flawless group campaigns.

Zimbabwe will face the West Indies in Match 44 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight stage.

Match Details

• Date: Monday, 23 February 2026

• Time: 15:30 local time (Mumbai, India)

• Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

• Format: T20

• Stage: Super Eight

Squads (Key Players)

West Indies:

• Shai Hope (c, wk)

• Jason Holder

• Shimron Hetmyer

• Rovman Powell

• Sherfane Rutherford

• Akeal Hosein

• Johnson Charles (wk)

• Romario Shepherd

• Gudakesh Motie

• Brandon King

• Jayden Seales

Zimbabwe:

• Sikandar Raza (c)

• Graeme Cremer

• Ryan Burl

• Wellington Masakadza

• Richard Ngarava

• Blessing Muzarabani

• Brad Evans

• Ben Curran

• Tony Munyonga

• Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk)

• Clive Madande (wk)

Daren Sammy Zimbabwe Super Eights 2026