Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Chevrons flew out of Harare yesterday buzzing with confidence as they head to Pakistan for a T20 Tri-Series that promises fireworks, flat pitches, and big runs.
Skipper Sikandar Raza says Zimbabwe are bracing up for a high scoring showdown, with every batter itching to light up the Rawalpindi and Lahore wickets ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.
“The Pindi (Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium) is apparently the second highest run scoring ground in the world if you look at the stats.
“So, we’re going to hopefully try and restrict them to as little as possible because it’s a high-scoring ground,” said Raza.
“The challenge is on the bowlers to not leak runs. For batters, if you’re batting first, take full advantage. Lahore is also a high-scoring ground.
“So, I’m really excited because it’s wickets and runs galore.”
The Chevrons left in the afternoon and linked up with coach Justin Sammons in Dubai before connecting to Pakistan. Sammons had been in South Africa on a short break with his family after a packed international calendar.
Zimbabwe will get their campaign against hosts Pakistan on Monday in Rawalpindi before facing Sri Lanka two days later at the same venue.
They then move to Lahore for the return fixtures on November 23 and 25, with the final set for November 29.
The Chevrons may be ranked 12th in the world, but Raza insists rankings count for nothing once the first ball is bowled. Pakistan are ranked seventh and Sri Lanka eighth yet the Zimbabwe captain believes his side has what it takes to cause upsets.
He’s drawing inspiration from recent Pakistan South Africa thrillers, where teams were either smashing 200 plus totals or collapsing in a heap.
“When you take wickets, you take too many wickets. If you look at South Africa, I mean, three games and they got them out three times.
“Pakistan got all out in the first game, then Pakistan got South Africa out in the second. And when the runs start to flow, teams are scoring 200, 190, 220 as well.
“It’s going to be action packed and we have to be up for it.”
The selectors made just one change from the squad that faced Afghanistan, with Blessing Muzarabani missing out through a back injury.
In comes 19 year old left arm quick Newman Nyamhuri, the new kid on the block tipped as one for the future.
All three nations are treating this series seriously as they fine tune for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Zimbabwe Triangular Series Squad
Sikandar Raza (Captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Bradley Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Wellington Masakadza, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Brendan Taylor.
