Zimbabwe have announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, with the selectors rewarding the group that impressed during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year. The series, scheduled to be played at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on July 15, 17 and 19, sees the hosts retain the bulk of the squad that reached the Super Eights, while introducing a couple of fresh faces to strengthen the side ahead of another important international assignment.
New faces light up the T20I unit
The biggest talking point from the squad announcement is the inclusion of exciting young fast bowler Newman Nyamhuri, who is in line to make his T20I debut. The 20-year-old has rapidly established himself as one of Zimbabwe’s brightest emerging talents since making his ODI and Test debuts in December 2024. Nyamhuri has already made a strong impression during Bangladesh’s ongoing tour of Zimbabwe. His disciplined bowling, coupled with valuable lower-order contributions with the bat in the one-off Test and the opening ODI, convinced the selectors that he is ready for the shortest format of the game.
Also returning to the national T20I setup is left-handed batter Milton Shumba. The all-rounder last represented Zimbabwe in a T20 International during the 2022 T20 World Cup and now gets another opportunity to revive his international career after remaining on the fringes of the side over the past few years. The selectors have otherwise preferred continuity, placing their faith in a squad that exceeded expectations at the T20 World Cup. Zimbabwe’s memorable campaign saw them reach the Super Eights, underlining the progress the team has made in recent seasons.
Sikandar Raza continues to lead while Brendan Taylor misses out
Experienced all-rounder Sikandar Raza will continue as Zimbabwe’s captain as he looks to build on the team’s recent success in white-ball cricket. Raza has been instrumental both as a leader and with his all-round performances, making him the natural choice to guide the side once again.
There is, however, no place for veteran wicketkeeper-batter Brendan Taylor. Taylor had missed the T20 World Cup after suffering an injury, with Ben Curran stepping into the squad as his replacement. Curran impressed enough during the tournament to retain his place for the Bangladesh series, while Taylor remains absent from the T20I plans. Meanwhile, former captain Graeme Cremer was unavailable for selection after sustaining a left-arm fracture, ruling him out of contention for the home series.
The remainder of the squad features several familiar names, including pace spearheads Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava, all-rounders Ryan Burl and Brad Evans, as well as promising youngsters Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani. Zimbabwe will hope the settled combination continues to deliver as they aim to secure another series victory on home soil.
Zimbabwe squad for Bangladesh T20Is: Sikandar Raza (captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri and Milton Shumba
