Sikandar RazaCricket Squad AnnouncementsICC AnnouncementsInternational CricketInternational MatchesNew Zealand vs ZimbabweT20 Cricket NewsT20I SeriesT20I क्रिकेटZimbabwe cricketersZimbabwe national cricket team newsZimbabwe vs South Africa
Sikandar Raza to Lead Zimbabwe in T20I Tri-Series Against South Africa and New Zealand
Zimbabwe Announces 16-Member Squad for Home Tri-Series
Zimbabwe Cricket has announced a strong 16-member squad for the upcoming T20I tri-series featuring South Africa and New Zealand, set to commence on July 14 at the Harare Sports Club. Veteran all-rounder Sikandar Raza will captain the home side in what promises to be a competitive contest ahead of the T20 World Cup cycle.
The tri-nation tournament will follow a double round-robin format, culminating in a final between the top two sides on July 26. This series is viewed as a crucial opportunity for Zimbabwe to assess their T20 bench strength and fine-tune combinations against two of the world’s top sides.
Squad Highlights: Return of Key Players and Fresh Talent
Ngarava and Bennett Return to Strengthen Core
One of the notable developments is the return of left-arm pacer Richard Ngarava, who had been nursing a lower-back injury. His comeback will bolster Zimbabwe’s pace attack significantly, especially in home conditions. Another welcome inclusion is that of Brian Bennett, the talented all-rounder who missed part of the Test series against South Africa in Bulawayo due to a concussion. Bennett has now cleared the necessary medical protocols and is back in the fold.
Emerging Stars: Three Uncapped Players Included
Zimbabwe selectors have signaled their commitment to building for the future by naming three uncapped players in the squad:
-
Tafadzwa Tsiga, a promising wicketkeeper-batter
-
Newman Nyamhuri, a left-arm pacer known for his control and bounce
-
Vincent Masekesa, a young leg-spinner with impressive domestic records
These inclusions come alongside retained young talents like Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, and Ryan Burl, who impressed during Zimbabwe’s last T20I assignment against Ireland earlier this year. This blend of experience and youth gives Zimbabwe a flexible squad that can adapt to varying match situations.
For Zimbabwe’s previous T20I performances, read our detailed series summary against Ireland.
Zimbabwe’s T20I Tri-Series Squad Overview
The squad consists of seasoned campaigners, emerging prospects, and promising young players, reflecting Zimbabwe’s long-term planning:
Full Squad:
Sikandar Raza (Captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Tafadzwa Tsiga
This tournament also serves as a testing ground for players eyeing a spot in the 2026 T20 World Cup, making it a high-stakes series for Zimbabwe’s white-ball future.
Tournament Format and Schedule
The T20I tri-series will adopt a double round-robin format, meaning each team will play four group matches. The top two teams will qualify for the final on July 26.
-
Venue: Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe
-
Series Start Date: July 14
-
Final: July 26
Zimbabwe will open their campaign with a highly anticipated clash against South Africa on July 14. With New Zealand also in the mix, the competition level is expected to be intense, providing fans with high-quality T20 action.
For the official match schedule and updates, visit the Zimbabwe Cricket official website.
With Sikandar Raza at the helm, Zimbabwe is gearing up for a thrilling home tri-series that blends strategic planning, youthful energy, and veteran leadership. The return of key players like Ngarava and Bennett, along with the inclusion of fresh talent, showcases Zimbabwe’s intent to compete fiercely while laying down a foundation for the future.
As fans eagerly await the first ball to be bowled in Harare, this series could well be a turning point in Zimbabwe’s T20I roadmap. Stay tuned to our platform for daily match reports, analysis, and post-game reviews.
