Match 9 Preview: Zimbabwe vs Tanzania – T20 World Cup Regional Final
Zimbabwe is set to face Tanzania in a pivotal Group B clash (Match 9) of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final 2025. The match will take place at the Harare Sports Club on Tuesday, September 30. For Zimbabwe, this fixture offers a chance to solidify their dominance and take another step toward the global T20 showpiece, while Tanzania will be fighting to upset their neighbours and register a crucial first win in the tournament.
Head-to-Head Dominance
The historical record between the two teams heavily favours the hosts. Zimbabwe and Tanzania have met three times in the T20 format, and Zimbabwe has emerged victorious in all three encounters. Tanzania is still hunting for their maiden win against the strong Zimbabwean side, making this match a significant challenge for the visitors. The momentum, experience, and home advantage are all firmly with Zimbabwe as they head into this clash.
Harare Pitch Report: A Balancing Act
The playing conditions at the Harare Sports Club generally offer a balanced contest between bat and ball, often favouring stroke play while providing opportunities for quick bowlers early on. However, with the regional final progressing, pitch wear and tear often bring the spinners into play, particularly in the middle overs.
Historically, Harare pitches tend to be friendly, making a score between 160 and 180 highly competitive. The team winning the toss often opts to bat first to put a score on the board and apply pressure, though the variable weather forecast for this match might encourage the captain to consider chasing.
Zimbabwe vs Tanzania Match 9 Predicted Playing XI
Zimbabwe (ZIM)
The Zimbabwean side is expected to field a strong, settled lineup, leveraging their depth in both batting and bowling to secure two points.
Predicted XI:
- Wesley Madhevere
- Tadiwanashe Marumani
- Craig Ervine (c)
- Sikandar Raza
- Ryan Burl
- Clive Madande (wk)
- Luke Jongwe
- Wellington Masakadza
- Richard Ngarava
- Blessing Muzarabani
- Natsai M’shangwe
Tanzania (TAN)
Tanzania will rely heavily on their key all-rounders and experienced top-order batsmen to challenge the higher-ranked hosts. A stable opening partnership and tight bowling in the powerplay will be essential to their success.
Predicted XI:
- Ivan Selemani
- Abhik Patwa (c)
- Amal Rajee
- Kassim Nassoro
- Akhil Anil
- Sanjay Bom
- Ally Mpeka (wk)
- Salum Jumbe
- Yalinde Nkanya
- Johnson Nyambo
- Mohamed Yunusi
Weather Forecast: Rain Threat Looms Large
The match is under a significant threat of rain, which could potentially disrupt or shorten play.
The forecast for Tuesday, September 30, in Harare, Zimbabwe, predicts cloudy conditions with a notable 51% chance of rainfall. The temperatures are expected to be around , accompanied by 54% humidity and winds blowing at .
The high chance of precipitation means a shortened match or even a washout is possible. This uncertainty may factor heavily into the captain’s decision at the toss, as revised targets under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method often favour the team batting second. Both teams will be keen to get a full game in, but quick scoring will be paramount if the match is truncated.
Live Streaming Details: Where to Watch
Fans can catch the live action of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final 2025, including the Zimbabwe vs Tanzania Match 9, via the following official platforms:
- Live Streaming: The match will be available for streaming on the official ICC.tv digital platform.
- Broadcast: Check local sports networks and broadcasters, as the regional final may be televised in various countries across the African continent.
The tournament is reaching its crucial phase, and while Zimbabwe enters as the clear favourite, Tanzania has the opportunity to make a massive statement. Will the hosts continue their winning streak, or will the rain gods and Tanzania’s determination cause an upset in Harare?
