Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE Cricket has named a 15-member squad, led by veteran all-rounder Sikandar Raza, for the landmark T20 International tri-series involving hosts Namibia and South Africa in Windhoek.
According to Zimbabwe Cricket, the tournament will run from August 28 to September 6, with the three nations playing each other twice before the top two sides meet in the final.
Zimbabwe will begin their campaign against South Africa on August 29 before facing Namibia two days later.
Experienced all-rounder Graeme Cremer returns to the squad after recovering from a left-arm injury that ruled him out of the home series against Bangladesh and India.
Kundai Matigimu has also been included in the squad.
However, Zimbabwe will be without fast bowlers Richard Ngarava and Tanaka Chivanga, who were unavailable for selection due to injury.
Zimbabwe Cricket said Ngarava was continuing his recovery from a lower-back injury, while Chivanga had undergone surgery after sustaining an Achilles tendon injury during practice.
The cricket body said both players would continue to be monitored by its medical team as they undergo rehabilitation.
Raza will be joined by Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Innocent Kaia, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Newman Nyamhuri and Tafadzwa Tsiga.
Zimbabwe Cricket said the tri-series forms part of a broader initiative to create more regular, high-quality international competition among African nations and strengthen collaboration across the continent.
The initiative is being spearheaded by Africa Cricket Association chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani and will culminate in the launch of the Africa Cup in 2027.
According to Zimbabwe Cricket, the new competition is envisioned as a flagship continental tournament that will provide a structured pathway for African cricket nations to compete at the highest level.
The tri-series fixtures are:
August 28: Namibia v South Africa
August 29: South Africa v Zimbabwe
August 31: Namibia v Zimbabwe
September 1: Zimbabwe v South Africa
September 3: Zimbabwe v Namibia
September 4: South Africa v Namibia
September 6: Final — top two teams
Zimbabwe squad
Sikandar Raza (captain), 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.
