Why Kagiso Rabada is Not Playing Today in ZIM vs SA T20 World Cup Match?

The South Africa Cricket Team are up against the Zimbabwe in their last game of the Super 8 stage of T20 World Cup 2026. The dead rubber clash between the two teams is taking place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Sunday, March 1.

South Africa, who have already qualified for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026, lost the toss and were asked to field first. With the semi-final just around the corner, the Proteas took a bold call and made quite a few changes to their playing 11.

One of the major changes that caught the attention of many was that of Kagiso Rabada. The premier fast bowler, who looked lethal with the ball in the last game, was left out, especially when he got some rhythm in the last game after a poor start to the tournament.

Why Kagiso Rabada is Not Playing Today Against Zimbabwe?

SA fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is not playing the ZIM vs SA T20 World Cup match, which is their last one ahead of the semi-final. Captain Aiden Markram was pretty honest at the toss and said that they wanted to test their bench strength if they got hit by some injuries in the knockout stages.

As Kagiso Rabada replacement, South Africa added Anrich Nortje to the team. Nortje, who was once the first-choice pacer for South Africa, hasn’t been getting consistent opportunities of late due to Lungi Ngidi’s rise in the format.

Rabada’s absence will leave a void in the South African XI as he brings with him a lot of quality being one of the best bowlers in the world. Also, he played a massive role in his team’s win over the West Indies in the last game as he rattled the top order with his raw pace and skill and finished with 2-22. However, he is likely to be back in the mix for the semi-final.

Kagiso Rabada's Below-Par Tournament

Rabada hasn't been in good form this tournament as he has picked up just 4 wickets in six matches at an average of 47.25. Generally regarded as the leader of this bowling attack, he hasn't been able to replicate his best form yet.

Meanwhile, South Africa are yet to lose a single game in this edition of the ICC T20 World Cup and would be hoping to carry on the same run against Zimbabwe. Under the leadership of Aiden Markram, the Proteas have looked like one of the best T20 teams in the world and are the favourites to win the tournament. After this match, they will be taking on New Zealand in the semi-final, which will be played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on March 4.