Zimbabwe have announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming T20I tri-series in Namibia, with experienced leg-spinner Graeme Cremer making a welcome return to the national setup. The tournament will be played in Windhoek from August 28 to September 6 and will also feature South Africa, bringing together the three co-hosts of the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Veteran leg-spinner back in the mix
Sikandar Raza will continue to captain Zimbabwe as they look to build momentum in the shortest format ahead of a busy international calendar. Cremer’s return is the biggest talking point from the squad announcement. The leg-spinner missed Zimbabwe’s recent home assignments against Bangladesh and India while recovering from a left-arm injury. His availability gives Zimbabwe another experienced option in the bowling department and could prove particularly valuable during a tournament involving six group-stage matches.
Kundai Matigimu earns a place in the squad
Zimbabwe have also handed a place to Kundai Matigimu, who has already represented the country in Test cricket. The batter has only one Test appearance to his name, but his inclusion suggests the selectors are keen to broaden their options and give emerging players an opportunity at the international level.
The squad otherwise features a familiar mix of experience and youth. Raza, Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Innocent Kaia and Wessly Madhevere provide the side with plenty of international experience, while younger players will be expected to make the most of their opportunities.
The tournament format leaves little room for complacency. Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia will each play one another twice in the league phase, meaning every team will have six matches to establish its position on the points table. The top two teams will then meet in the final on September 6. That format also gives teams an opportunity to recover from an early setback, making consistency across the competition especially important. Zimbabwe will begin their campaign against South Africa on Friday before facing hosts Namibia on Sunday.
Richard Ngarava to miss the series
Star pacer Richard Ngarava has been left out as he continues his recovery from a lower-back injury. His absence is a significant blow, given his experience and importance to Zimbabwe’s T20I bowling attack.
Tanaka Chivanga is also unavailable after undergoing surgery for an Achilles tendon injury sustained during a practice session. Zimbabwe will therefore have to rely on the likes of Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans and Newman Nyamhuri to shoulder much of the responsibility with the new ball.
Zimbabwe squad for the T20I tri-series: 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
