Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe national cricket team left for Pakistan yesterday, upbeat and united ahead of the T20 Triangular International Series that marks the final stretch of their 2025 campaign and doubles as preparation for next year’s T20 World Cup.
The 15-man squad departed Harare late afternoon and was set to link up with head coach Justin Sammons in Dubai before connecting to Pakistan. Sammons had returned to South Africa briefly to spend time with his family after a demanding few months with the national side.
The tournament, which begins Monday, pits Zimbabwe against hosts Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It will also be the Chevrons’ last international outing this year, and captain Sikandar Raza believes it’s a chance to build rhythm and confidence before the global showpiece.
“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 or try and contain the opposition to a low score. And then for batters, if you’re batting first, take full advantage of that. Lahore is also a high scoring ground as well. So, I’m really excited for the next series. Why? Because we’re going to a place where it is wickets and runs galore.”
Zimbabwe open their campaign against Pakistan in Rawalpindi on Monday before facing Sri Lanka two days later at the same venue. They then travel to Lahore for their final round robin matches against Pakistan on November 23 and Sri Lanka on November 25. The top two teams will contest the final on November 29, also in Lahore.
Despite sitting 12th on the ICC T20I rankings, below both Pakistan (7th) and Sri Lanka (8th), Zimbabwe are optimistic about their chances. Most of their recent games have been at home, and Raza admits the shift to subcontinental conditions presents a new challenge.
Still, he believes the team can adapt quickly, drawing confidence from South Africa’s recent series against Pakistan, where both sides posted contrasting totals, ranging from 194/9 in Rawalpindi to just 110 all out in Lahore.
“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.
“So, I’m quite excited because it’s going to be an action packed series and we have to be up for the challenge,” said Raza.
Selectors have largely retained the squad that featured in the qualifiers and the recent series against Afghanistan. The only change is fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani, who misses out due to a back injury. He has been replaced by 19 year old left arm seamer Newman Nyamhuri, a nod to the future as the team looks to balance experience with youth.
The tri-series holds significance for all three nations as they fine tune ahead of 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.
Peter Tanyanyiwa