Zimbabwe Cricket names Pakistan series squads

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) announced yesterday its two squads for the One Day International (ODI) and T20I series against Pakistan, which gets underway at Queens Sports Club on Sunday.

Veteran Craig Ervine will captain the ODI squad, bolstered by experienced campaigners in Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams, as well as key pace bowlers Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava.

Three uncapped players, Trevor Gwandu, Tashinga Musekiwa and Tinotenda Maposa, add a youthful and fresh edge to the side and will be eager to make an impact on the international stage.

In a statement from ZC, Convener of Selectors, David Mutendera said he is confident that the selected players will fare well against the Asian giants. Mutendera also expressed confidence in the ODI squad’s balance of experience and fresh talent.

He believes that the experience and youth in the team will be able to complement each other well.

“The series against Pakistan is an important platform for Zimbabwe, and we believe the ODI squad we have selected is well-rounded.

“The presence of seasoned players like Craig (Ervine), Sikandar (Raza) and Sean (Williams) provides stability, while young players like Clive Madande, Brian Bennett, Dion Myers and the uncapped trio bring energy and the potential for game-changing moments,” said Mutendera.

For the shortest version, Mutendera and his selection panel retained the squad that achieved historic success at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 sub-regional qualifier in Kenya last month.
The team will be under the stewardship of Raza.

They will be hoping to use the momentum gained in the regional games to help them against a strong Pakistani side.
Notably, Ervine, Williams and Joylord Gumbie have been omitted from the T20I side.

Mutendera said they kept the same team as it helps drive continuity while also building confidence and cohesion.

“We felt it was essential to maintain the same T20I squad that excelled in Kenya.

“This continuity allows the team to build on the cohesion and confidence that drove their outstanding performance,” said Mutendera.

The convener of selectors went on to add that playing against a global powerhouse like Pakistan will help the Chevrons gauge where they stand among the best in the world.

“Facing a high-calibre side like Pakistan is a tremendous opportunity for us to gauge our progress and showcase Zimbabwe’s potential on the international stage.

“We are confident that both our ODI and T20I squads will be competitive,” he said.

Zimbabwe and Pakistan are scheduled to face off in three ODIs and as many T20Is. All matches will be played at Queens Sports Club.

Pakistan will be making the trip to Zimbabwe without the trio of Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah.
Mohammad Rizwan will be available for the ODIs, but will be rested from the T20Is against the Chevrons.

Ahmed Daniyal, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan and Tayyab Tahir are the other players apart from Salman Ali Agha who have been selected for both the formats.

Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Faisal Akram, Kamran Ghulam, Rizwan, Saim Ayub and Shahnawaz Dahani have been picked in the ODI side and will be replaced by Arafat Minhas, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Omair Bin Yousuf, Qasim Akram, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi and Usman Khan for the shortest format of the game.

The Pakistan team is scheduled to arrive in the City of Kings and Queens on Wednesday before they host three training sessions on Thursday, Friday and Saturday ahead of the first ODI on Sunday. The tour will start with ODIs (November 24, 26 and 28) followed by the 20-over games on December 1, 3 and 5.

ZIMBABWE ODI SQUAD
Craig Ervine (captain), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Joylord Gumbie, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brandon Mavuta, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams

ZIMBABWE T20I SQUAD
Sikandar Raza (captain), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava.
—@brandon_malvin