Zimbabwe Announces 15-Player Squad for T20I Tri-Series in Namibia
Zimbabwe has named a 15-player squad captained by Sikandar Raza for an upcoming T20I tri-series in Windhoek, scheduled to take place from August 28 to September 6.
What Happened
Zimbabwe confirmed its traveling squad for the three-nation tournament hosted by Namibia, which also features South Africa. The competition unites all three co-hosts of the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in a single tournament. Leg-spinner Graeme Cremer returns to the squad after missing recent home series against Bangladesh and India while recovering from a left-arm injury. Batter Kundai Matigimu, who has one Test appearance for Zimbabwe, has also earned selection. However, the squad will be missing two primary seamers due to injuries, with Richard Ngarava and Tanaka Chivanga ruled out.
Key Highlights
- Sikandar Raza leads the 15-man squad in Namibia.
- Graeme Cremer returns after recovering from a left-arm injury that kept him out against Bangladesh and India.
- Test-capped batter Kundai Matigimu has been selected.
- Richard Ngarava is sidelined with a lower-back injury, while Tanaka Chivanga is recovering from surgery on an Achilles tendon injury sustained in practice.
- The full 15-player squad consists of Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Innocent Kaia, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Kundai Matigimu, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Newman Nyamhuri, and Tafadzwa Tsiga.
Why This Matters
The tri-series brings together the three future co-hosts of the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup: Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa. For Zimbabwe, the absence of two frontline fast bowlers will test squad depth and rotation options, particularly given a challenging early schedule.
What to Watch Next
Zimbabwe begins the tournament against South Africa on Friday, followed quickly by a fixture against Namibia on Sunday. Under the tournament structure, sides play through the group stage before the round-robin standings determine the top two teams, who will advance to the final on September 6. No official return dates have been established for injured pacers Ngarava and Chivanga.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is captaining Zimbabwe in the Namibia tri-series?
Sikandar Raza will captain Zimbabwe throughout the tournament.
Why are Richard Ngarava and Tanaka Chivanga unavailable?
Richard Ngarava has been sidelined to manage a lower-back issue, while Tanaka Chivanga is unavailable after undergoing surgery for an Achilles tendon injury suffered during practice.
When does the tri-series take place?
The matches in Windhoek will run from August 28 through September 6, culminating in the final between the top two sides.
Source: Crictracker