Zimbabwe retain World Cup core for Bangladesh T20I series in Bulawayo

ZIMBABWE have retained the core of the squad that reached the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with young fast bowler Newman Nyamhuri and batter Milton Shumba the only new additions to the 15-member squad for the three-match T20 International series against Bangladesh.

The matches will be played at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on 15, 17 and 19 July as Zimbabwe return to T20I action following their memorable World Cup campaign.

Zimbabwe produced one of their finest performances at the global tournament, finishing unbeaten at the top of their first-round group before registering historic victories over Australia and Sri Lanka en route to the Super Eight stage.

Experienced all-rounder Sikandar Raza will continue leading the side as Zimbabwe look to build on the confidence gained from their impressive World Cup showing.

Nyamhuri, who is yet to make his T20I debut, earned his place after impressing across formats, while Shumba returns to the T20I set-up for the first time since his last appearance against the Netherlands at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia.

Ben Curran, who was drafted into the World Cup squad as an injury replacement for Brendan Taylor, retains his place and could make his T20I debut alongside Nyamhuri during the series.

However, Graeme Cremer misses out after suffering a left-arm fracture, while Taylor and Tony Munyonga have also been left out of the squad that featured at the World Cup.

Zimbabwe Cricket convener of selectors David Mutendera said continuity was central to the selection process, while also rewarding players who had earned opportunities.

“The T20 World Cup showed what this group is capable of, so continuity was an important consideration for us,” said Mutendera.

“We wanted to keep together the core of a squad that reached the Super Eight while also creating room for players who have earned their opportunities.

“This series gives the team another opportunity to keep growing as we continue building towards the major international tournaments ahead.”

The T20I series will conclude Bangladesh’s white-ball tour of Zimbabwe, which began with a three-match One-Day International series in Harare.

Zimbabwe squad:

Sikandar Raza (captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Milton Shumba.