ZIM vs OMN Dream11 Prediction for Match 8, T20 World Cup 2026. Get expert fantasy cricket tips, playing XI, pitch report, weather updates & captain picks for Zimbabwe vs Oman.
Introduction
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 serves up a fascinating Group B clash as Zimbabwe lock horns with Oman at the iconic Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on February 9, 2026. This encounter carries massive significance for both teams as they aim to kickstart their campaign with a confidence-boosting victory.
Zimbabwe, led by the experienced all-rounder Sikandar Raza, arrive with a well-balanced squad featuring explosive talents like Brian Bennett and the pace duo of Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava. However, their recent warm-up loss to Oman (by 4 wickets) serves as a wake-up call, exposing vulnerabilities that need immediate addressing.
Oman, the giant-slayers, enter this fixture with tremendous momentum after their clinical chase of 188 in the warm-up game. Skipper Jatinder Singh’s match-winning 55 and the late recall of veteran Aamir Kaleem (who smashed 80 off 47 against Sri Lanka A) have injected fresh energy into their campaign. The Associate nation will be eager to prove they belong among cricket’s elite.
For Dream11 enthusiasts, this match promises excellent differential opportunities—especially with all-rounders and death-over specialists likely to dominate the points table. The batting-friendly SSC pitch combined with the dew factor makes team selection critical for both Small League safety and Grand League differentials.
MATCH DETAILS
Match Information
| Match Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match Number | 8th Match, Group B |
| Teams | Zimbabwe vs Oman |
| Venue | Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo |
| Date | Monday, February 9, 2026 |
| Time | 3:00 PM LOCAL / 9:30 AM GMT / 3:00 PM IST |
| Format | T20 International |
| Toss | To be updated |
| Umpires | Asif Yaqoob, Wayne Knights |
| TV Umpire | Richie Richardson |
| Match Referee | Ahsan Raza |
| TV Broadcast (India) | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming (India) | JioHotstar |
Pitch Report: Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo
The Sinhalese Sports Club underwent a massive Rs. 1.8 billion infrastructure upgrade ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, including the installation of six state-of-the-art LED floodlight towers. However, this daytime fixture (3:00 PM start) presents unique challenges.
Pitch Characteristics:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Nature | Batting-friendly early, assists spin later |
| Pace Support | Early juice for seamers (first 6 overs) |
| Spin Support | Increases as match progresses; variable bounce |
| Average 1st Innings | 158-165 (T20Is) |
| Average 2nd Innings | 145-150 (T20Is) |
| Boundaries | Lightning-fast outfield; 65% boundaries square of the wicket |
| Toss Impact | Bat first advantage (60% win rate) |
Fantasy Impact Analysis:
The SSC pitch is a paradise for top-order batters in the powerplay, offering true bounce and consistent carry. Openers who survive the initial movement can capitalize with aggressive strokeplay. As the match progresses, the tropical heat and red soil create wear patterns that bring quality spinners into the game.
Death-over specialists (both pace and spin) become invaluable in the final five overs when scoring becomes challenging. Boundary-clearing ability is premium currency here—power hitters who can use the fast outfield will rack up Dream11 points quickly.
Tactical Note: Teams batting first should target 165-175 to be competitive. Chasing sides benefit from dew in evening games, but this 3 PM start minimizes that advantage.
Weather Update
| Weather Factor | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 31-33°C (High heat and humidity) |
| Rain Probability | 5-10% (Light to moderate chance) |
| Humidity | 75-80% |
| Wind Speed | 11-15 km/h (NNE direction) |
| Dew Factor | Minimal (daytime match) |
| UV Index | High (9) – Players need sun protection |
Summary: Expect hot, humid conditions with minimal rain threat. The 3 PM start means no significant dew impact, giving bowlers a fair chance throughout. High humidity may assist swing bowlers in the powerplay, while spinners benefit from grip later on. Hydration and fitness levels will be crucial—look for players with strong endurance records.
Last 5 Matches: Recent Form
ZIMBABWE (Recent Results)
| Match | Opponent | Result | Margin | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warm-up | Oman | Lost | 4 wickets | Colombo CCC |
| Warm-up | Netherlands | Won | 15 runs | Colombo |
| Tri-series | Afghanistan | Lost | 6 wickets | Harare |
| Tri-series | Pakistan | Lost | 7 wickets | Harare |
| Qualifier | Kenya | Won | 45 runs | Nairobi |
Form: L-W-L-L-W (Mixed; concerns over consistency)
OMAN (Recent Results)
| Match | Opponent | Result | Margin | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warm-up | Zimbabwe | Won | 4 wickets | Colombo CCC |
| Warm-up | Sri Lanka A | Won | 6 wickets | Colombo |
| Qualifier | Nepal | Lost | 25 runs | Al Amerat |
| Qualifier | UAE | Won | 3 wickets | Al Amerat |
| Qualifier | PNG | Won | 8 wickets | Al Amerat |
Form: W-W-L-W-W (Strong; excellent momentum)
Head-to-Head (H2H) Record
| H2H Stats | Details |
|---|---|
| Total T20I Matches | 0 (First-ever T20I encounter) |
| Total Matches (All formats) | 1 ODI (ZIM won) |
| Recent Warm-up | Oman won by 4 wickets (Feb 5, 2026) |
| Highest Team Total | ZIM: 187/7 (Warm-up) |
| Lowest Team Total | N/A |
| Top Run-Scorer (Warm-up) | Brian Bennett (ZIM) – 56 |
| Top Wicket-Taker (Warm-up) | Sufyan Mehmood (OMA) – 3/22 |
Analysis: This is a historic first T20I between these nations. Oman’s psychological edge from the warm-up victory cannot be underestimated—they successfully chased 188 with clinical precision. However, Zimbabwe’s ODI dominance (1-0) and superior T20 World Cup experience make them slight favorites on paper.
Ground Stats: Sinhalese Sports Club
| Ground Records | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Total T20Is Played | 3 matches (Limited data) |
| Batting 1st Wins | 2 out of 3 (66.7%) |
| Chasing Wins | 1 out of 3 (33.3%) |
| Average Powerplay Score | 48-52 runs |
| Average Death Overs Score | 42-46 runs (Overs 16-20) |
| Highest T20I Score | 176/8 (Historical) |
| Lowest T20I Score | 110 all out |
| Capacity | 10,000 spectators |
Chasing Records at SSC
| Chasing Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Batting 1st Success | 66.7% win rate |
| Chasing Success | 33.3% win rate |
| Recent Trend | Bat first preferred (no dew in day games) |
| Dew Impact | Minimal (3 PM start) |
| Successful Chases | Rare above 160 |
Recommendation: Bat first if winning the toss. The SSC historically favors teams setting targets, especially in daytime fixtures without dew assistance.
Verified Team News & Injury Updates
ZIMBABWE:
- ✅ AVAILABLE: Full squad confirmed
- ⚠️ DOUBTFUL: Tony Munyonga vs Blessing Muzarabani (pace bowling spot)
- ℹ️ NOTE: Brendan Taylor (wk) confirmed available after fitness concerns
OMAN:
- ✅ AVAILABLE: Full squad confirmed
- 🔄 LATE ADDITION: Aamir Kaleem (replaced Hasnain Ali Shah – injury)
- ℹ️ NOTE: Kaleem’s explosive 80*(47) vs SL A makes him a strong XI contender
Official Lineups: Wait for official team sheets 30 minutes before the toss. Both teams have settled XIs from the warm-up, with only minor tactical adjustments expected.
PROBABLE PLAYING XI
ZIMBABWE (Probable XI)
- Brian Bennett (Batter)
- Tadiwanashe Marumani (Batter)
- Dion Myers (Batter)
- Sikandar Raza (C) (All-rounder)
- Ryan Burl (All-rounder)
- Brendan Taylor (WK) (Wicketkeeper-Batter)
- Tashinga Musekiwa (All-rounder)
- Bradley Evans (All-rounder)
- Wellington Masakadza (Bowler – Spin)
- Blessing Muzarabani (Bowler – Pace)
- Richard Ngarava (Bowler – Pace)
Alternative: Tony Munyonga may replace Muzarabani for extra batting depth.
OMAN (Probable XI)
- Jatinder Singh (C) (Batter)
- Aamir Kaleem (All-rounder)
- Hammad Mirza (Batter)
- Wasim Ali (Batter)
- Karan Sonavale (Batter)
- Mohammad Nadeem (All-rounder)
- Vinayak Shukla (WK) (Wicketkeeper-Batter)
- Jiten Ramanandi (All-rounder)
- Sufyan Mehmood (Bowler – Pace)
- Shakeel Ahmad (Bowler – Pace)
- Shah Faisal (Bowler – Spin)
Alternative: Jay Odedra (spin) may replace Shakeel Ahmad depending on pitch inspection.
DREAM11 PREDICTION SECTION: ZIM vs OMN Dream11 Prediction
Small League Strategy (Safe Picks)
Best Combination (WK-BAT-AR-BOWL):
- 1 WK: Brendan Taylor
- 3 Batters: Brian Bennett, Jatinder Singh, Hammad Mirza
- 4 All-Rounders: Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Aamir Kaleem, Mohammad Nadeem
- 3 Bowlers: Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Sufyan Mehmood
Captain (C): Sikandar Raza
Vice-Captain (VC): Brian Bennett
Safe Players (85%+ Ownership Expected):
- Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza, Jatinder Singh, Richard Ngarava
Why This Works: This combination balances Zimbabwe’s superior batting depth with Oman’s in-form bowlers. Sikandar Raza’s dual-threat capability (bat + spin) makes him the safest captain choice, while Bennett’s powerplay striking makes him ideal VC.
Grand League Strategy (Risky Differentials)
Bold Combination:
- 1 WK: Vinayak Shukla (Low ownership, explosive finisher)
- 3 Batters: Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Wasim Ali
- 3 All-Rounders: Sikandar Raza, Aamir Kaleem (Differential C), Tashinga Musekiwa
- 4 Bowlers: Sufyan Mehmood, Wellington Masakadza, Shakeel Ahmad, Richard Ngarava
Captain (C): Aamir Kaleem (Bold differential)
Vice-Captain (VC): Sufyan Mehmood
High-Ceiling Differentials:
- Aamir Kaleem: 44-year-old veteran; 80*(47) in warm-up vs SL A; likely <5% ownership
- Tashinga Musekiwa: Explosive finisher; 54*(28) in warm-up; bowling option
- Wellington Masakadza: Left-arm spinner; excels at SSC; Zimbabwe’s spin weapon
Match-Up Based Picks:
- Sufyan Mehmood vs ZIM Top Order: Claimed 3/22 in warm-up; troublesome with new ball
- Vinayak Shukla vs Spin: Lower-middle order power; benefits from tiring bowlers
Bold Captain/Vice-Captain:
- C: Aamir Kaleem (Game-changing potential; fresh legs)
- VC: Sufyan Mehmood (Wickets in powerplay + death overs)
Player Categories
SAFE PICKS (Must-Have):
- Sikandar Raza – Premium all-rounder; bats at 4, bowls 4 overs
- Brian Bennett – In-form opener; 56 in warm-up; strike rate 187 vs Associates
- Jatinder Singh – OMA captain; match-winner (55 in warm-up)
- Richard Ngarava – New-ball specialist; swing threat
RISKY PICKS (Differential Gems):
- Aamir Kaleem – Age-defying form; left-arm spin option
- Tashinga Musekiwa – Finisher + part-time spin; dual role
- Wellington Masakadza – SSC specialist; left-arm orthodox
- Vinayak Shukla – Explosive keeper-bat down the order
MUST-HAVE (No Brainers):
- Sikandar Raza – Irreplaceable; leadership + all-round impact
- Brian Bennett – Form player; powerplay dominator
BUDGET PICKS (Value for Money):
- Shakeel Ahmad (7.0 Cr) – Pace bowler; wicket-taking threat
- Dion Myers (7.5 Cr) – Middle-order stability; boundary clearing
- Wasim Ali (7.0 Cr) – Consistent batter; anchoring role
KEY PLAYER ANALYSIS
TOP BATTERS
Brian Bennett (ZIM): The 22-year-old has emerged as Zimbabwe’s powerplay enforcer, striking at 152+ in recent games. His 56*(28) in the warm-up showcased fearless batting—expect him to target Oman’s new-ball bowlers aggressively. Strong pick for boundaries (4s/6s points).
Jatinder Singh (OMA): The 36-year-old skipper brings composure and experience. His 55(33) chase masterclass in the warm-up proves he thrives under pressure. Capable of anchoring while scoring at 140+ strike rate.
Dion Myers (ZIM): Explosive middle-order aggressor who clears boundaries with ease. Thrives on the SSC’s fast outfield and offers excellent value at his price point.
TOP ALL-ROUNDERS
Sikandar Raza (ZIM): The heartbeat of Zimbabwe’s campaign. Averages 25+ with the bat and claims wickets with off-spin (economy 7.2 in T20Is). His leadership, dual-threat capability, and boundary-clearing make him the safest captain pick in all formats.
Aamir Kaleem (OMA): The comeback story of the tournament. At 44, he smashed 80*(47) vs Sri Lanka A, proving age is just a number. Left-arm spin adds bowling depth—perfect Grand League differential captain.
Ryan Burl (ZIM): Leg-spin all-rounder who bats at 5 and bowls crucial middle overs. Excellent economy rate (6.8) and capable of quick 25-30 runs.
TOP BOWLERS
Richard Ngarava (ZIM): Zimbabwe’s premier new-ball weapon. Swings both ways and excels in powerplay wickets. Averages 21 in T20Is with an economy of 7.5—perfect for early breakthroughs.
Blessing Muzarabani (ZIM): At 6’4″, he extracts extra bounce on any surface. Death-over specialist who can defend 10-12 runs in the final over. Claimed 2/41 in warm-up but expect better control.
Sufyan Mehmood (OMA): Oman’s pace spearhead who dismantled Zimbabwe with 3/22 in the warm-up. Excellent variations and wicket-taking threat in powerplay + death.
Wellington Masakadza (ZIM): Left-arm orthodox spinner who thrives on SSC’s turning track. Bowls economical middle overs and picks up crucial wickets (strike rate 18).
IMPACT PLAYERS (X-Factor)
Tashinga Musekiwa (ZIM): Death-overs finisher who scored 54*(28) in the warm-up. Offers part-time spin, making him a dual-role asset. Perfect for Grand Leagues.
Mohammad Nadeem (OMA): Veteran all-rounder with immense experience. Bowls tight spells and contributes crucial lower-order runs. Underrated pick for balanced teams.
MATCH PREDICTION
Win Probability
| Team | Win Percentage |
|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | 58% |
| Oman | 42% |
Strengths Comparison
ZIMBABWE:
- ✅ Superior T20 World Cup experience (6 editions)
- ✅ Balanced XI with depth in batting and bowling
- ✅ Quality pace attack (Ngarava, Muzarabani)
- ✅ Leadership of Sikandar Raza
- ❌ Inconsistent recent form (2-3 in last 5)
- ❌ Psychological disadvantage (warm-up loss to OMA)
OMAN:
- ✅ Momentum from warm-up win
- ✅ Fearless approach with nothing to lose
- ✅ Sufyan Mehmood in red-hot form (3/22)
- ✅ Aamir Kaleem’s experience and explosiveness
- ❌ Lack of T20I experience vs full members
- ❌ Pressure of expectations after warm-up upset
Key Match Factors
- Powerplay Battle: Brian Bennett vs Sufyan Mehmood will set the tone
- Spin Impact: Wellington Masakadza’s middle-overs control vs Oman’s batting
- Death Bowling: Blessing Muzarabani vs Jiten Ramanandi (finishing skills)
- Toss: Bat first advantage (66% win rate at SSC)
- Pressure Handling: Oman’s first-timer nerves vs Zimbabwe’s experience
Final Prediction (Neutral)
Zimbabwe are favorites to win this encounter based on their superior experience, balanced squad, and home advantage (Sub-continent conditions). However, Oman’s giant-slaying mentality and recent form make this a potential banana peel.
Predicted Score: Zimbabwe 165-175; Oman 155-165
Result: Zimbabwe to win by 10-15 runs
Critical: If Oman win the toss and bat first, they could post 175+ and defend—making this a nail-biter.
FINAL DREAM11 TEAM (Balanced XI)
Dream11 Team Composition
WK (1): Brendan Taylor
BAT (3): Brian Bennett, Jatinder Singh, Hammad Mirza
AR (4): Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl, Aamir Kaleem, Mohammad Nadeem
BOWL (3): Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Sufyan Mehmood (VC)
Captain: Sikandar Raza
Vice-Captain: Sufyan Mehmood
Alternative Captain Options:
- Brian Bennett (if Zimbabwe bats first)
- Aamir Kaleem (Grand League differential)
Team Balance: 6 ZIM + 5 OMA (optimal spread)
10. FAQs
Q1: Who will win ZIM vs OMN?
Zimbabwe are favorites with a 58% win probability due to superior T20 World Cup experience, balanced squad depth, and quality pace attack. However, Oman’s warm-up victory and fearless approach make them dangerous underdogs.
Q2: Best Dream11 picks for ZIM vs OMN?
Must-have players: Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Jatinder Singh, Richard Ngarava. Differentials: Aamir Kaleem, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Sufyan Mehmood.
Q3: Who should be Captain and Vice-Captain?
Small League: C – Sikandar Raza, VC – Brian Bennett
Grand League: C – Aamir Kaleem (differential), VC – Sufyan Mehmood
Safe C options: Sikandar Raza (all-round impact), Jatinder Singh (form), Brian Bennett (powerplay aggression)
Q4: How will the pitch play at Sinhalese Sports Club?
The SSC pitch is batting-friendly in the powerplay with true bounce, then deteriorates to assist spinners. Average T20I score: 158 batting first. Bat-first teams have a 66.7% win rate. Expect 165-175 as par score.
Q5: Which team is in better form?
Oman (W-W-L-W-W) have superior recent form with consecutive warm-up wins. Zimbabwe (L-W-L-L-W) are inconsistent but possess greater experience. Oman’s psychological edge from the warm-up win tilts momentum their way.
Q6: Alternative team options?
Risky GL Team: Replace Brendan Taylor with Vinayak Shukla (explosive finisher), swap Hammad Mirza for Dion Myers (boundary-clearing), include Wellington Masakadza for spin depth. Captain Aamir Kaleem for massive differential upside.
Expert’s Verdict: Captain & Vice-Captain Deep Dive
Why Sikandar Raza is the Safest Captain:
Raza’s dual-threat capability makes him irreplaceable in this fixture. He bats at the crucial No. 4 position where he can either rebuild after early wickets or accelerate in the middle overs. His off-spin becomes lethal on SSC’s wearing surface, especially against Oman’s left-handed batters (Aamir Kaleem, Jatinder Singh). Historical data shows Raza averages 38+ against Associate nations with a strike rate of 145. His boundary-clearing ability (6s: 15% of balls faced) translates directly to Dream11 points.
Match-Up Edge: Raza vs Mohammad Nadeem (Oman’s off-spinner) is a favorable contest. Raza’s spin-hitting (strike rate 160 vs off-spin) gives him the upper hand.
Why Sufyan Mehmood is the Best VC Differential:
The Omani pacer destroyed Zimbabwe with 3/22 in the warm-up, exploiting their weakness against pace variations. SSC’s early juice favors his swing bowling, while his yorker accuracy (78% in death overs) makes him a wicket-taking threat throughout. His economy rate of 6.8 ensures bonus points even if wickets don’t come.
Tactical Insight: If Zimbabwe bat first, Mehmood will bowl 2 powerplay overs + 2 death overs—maximizing his wicket-taking opportunities across both phases.
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