Zimbabwe Cricket unveils 16-man squad for T20I tri...

Zimbabwe Cricket unveils 16-man squad for T20I tri-series

Witness Runodada ZimNow reporter

Zimbabwe Cricket has unveiled a 16-man squad for the upcoming T20I tri-series featuring South Africa and New Zealand, with experienced all-rounder Sikandar Raza set to captain the team on home soil.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from 14 to 26 July 2025 at Harare Sports Club, with each side playing the others twice in a round-robin format before the top two teams advance to the final.

The squad strikes a balance between seasoned campaigners and emerging talent, marking the return of key players from injury layoffs. Left-arm fast bowler Richard Ngarava, who had been sidelined due to a lower-back injury, makes a comeback to strengthen the pace attack alongside fellow seamer Blessing Muzarabani. Also returning is young all-rounder Brian Bennett, who missed a portion of the recent Test series against South Africa in Bulawayo after suffering a concussion. He has been declared fit and ready for the T20 challenge.

The squad also includes the likes of Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, and Tashinga Musekiwa, all of whom impressed during Zimbabwe’s previous T20I outing against Ireland in February. Their presence adds continuity and valuable match experience to the lineup.

Adding fresh faces to the group are three uncapped players in the T20I format: wicketkeeper-batter Tafadzwa Tsiga, left-arm paceman Newman Nyamhuri, and leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa. Their inclusion signals Zimbabwe's intent to build squad depth and provide opportunities for rising talent.

The full squad for the series includes Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, and Tafadzwa Tsiga.

Zimbabwe will kick off their campaign against South Africa on 14 July, followed by a clash with New Zealand on 18 July. They are scheduled to meet South Africa again on 20 July and conclude their group-stage fixtures against New Zealand on 24 July. The final, pitting the top two teams on the table against each other, will be held on 26 July.