Zimbabwe have entered Super 8s by defeating Australia and Sri Lanka in the group stage.
The Suryakumar Yadav-led side won all four of their group matches, and will enter the next phase of the tournament as firm favorites.
India will face South Africa (February 22 in Ahmedabad), Zimbabwe (February 26 in Chennai) and West Indies (March 1 in Kolkata) in the Super 8s.
Ahead of the Super 8 opener, batting legend Rahul Dravid hoped for an India versus Zimbabwe final in the ongoing T20 World Cup.
Dravid, who was at the helm of affairs when India clinched the T20 World Cup title in 2024, said though he would take ‘India versus anybody’, it would be ‘great for Zimbabwe cricket’ if the Sikandar Raza-led side reached the summit clash.
“I would take India versus anybody. India versus Zimbabwe? That would be great for Zimbabwe cricket. It would be amazing if Zimbabwe could make it. I would love to see one of the lesser teams, alongside India. That would be great," Dravid told NDTV.
Zimbabwe might be the lowest-ranked side in the Super 8, but their form has been excellent. They topped Group B after a stunning unbeaten campaign where they not only defeated Australia but also co-hosts Sri Lanka.
Speaking of India, Dravid said he has liked what he has seen from the defending champions so far. He highlighted the ‘great advantage’ India hold over South Africa for Sunday’s Super 8 fixture.
“I think the great advantage that India has is that we are not relying on 1-2 people. We have got great depth in the side. So you would expect that depth to come through. But of course, it is Twenty20 cricket; there is an unknown in Twenty20 cricket. It is the most volatile format of the game, and on any given day, as I have learnt as well as a coach, you can lose. Stick to the process and do what you can and hope for the best," he remarked.