Zimbabwe Name Raza-Led Squad for Landmark Windhoek T20I Tri-Series

Zimbabwe Cricket has named a 15-member squad for the upcoming T20I tri-series in Windhoek, with veteran all-rounder Sikandar Raza appointed captain as the Chevrons prepare to face South Africa and hosts Namibia.

The tournament, which runs from 28 August to 6 September, will give Zimbabwe an important opportunity to compete against two strong African opponents while preparing for another demanding phase of international cricket.

Raza will lead a squad featuring a blend of experienced players and emerging talent. His leadership will be particularly important as Zimbabwe look to navigate a busy schedule and build a competitive side in the shortest format.

One of the major inclusions is the return of Graeme Cremer, who has recovered from the left-arm injury that kept him out of Zimbabwe’s home series against Bangladesh and India. His experience strengthens the bowling options available to the national side.

Kundai Matigimu has also been selected for the tournament.

However, Zimbabwe will be without fast bowlers Richard Ngarava and Tanaka Chivanga. Ngarava continues to recover from a lower-back injury, while Chivanga has undergone surgery after suffering an Achilles tendon injury during practice.

Both players will continue to be monitored by Zimbabwe Cricket’s medical team during their rehabilitation.

The squad includes several players who will be expected to make important contributions with both bat and ball. Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Innocent Kaia, Wessly Madhevere and Tadiwanashe Marumani provide Zimbabwe with a variety of batting and all-round options.

Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Newman Nyamhuri and Tafadzwa Tsiga also form part of the 15-member squad.

Zimbabwe will begin their campaign against South Africa on 29 August, one day after the tournament officially opens with Namibia taking on South Africa.

The Chevrons will then face Namibia on 31 August before meeting South Africa again on 1 September. Their second match against Namibia will take place on 3 September.

With each team playing the other twice, consistency will be crucial. The top two sides after the round-robin stage will qualify for the final on 6 September.

For Zimbabwe, the tournament offers an opportunity to test their T20 cricket against quality opposition while also giving players valuable experience in competitive conditions in Windhoek.

The opening match against South Africa will immediately provide a major challenge. The Proteas have considerable depth in the T20 format, meaning Zimbabwe will need to be at their best from the beginning.

The subsequent matches against Namibia will also be important, particularly because the hosts will have the advantage of playing on home conditions.

Raza’s experience could prove valuable throughout the campaign. The all-rounder recently reached another significant milestone by becoming Zimbabwe’s most-capped international cricketer, further highlighting his importance to the national team.

The tri-series also has significance beyond the matches themselves.

It forms part of a broader initiative designed to create more regular, high-quality international competition among African cricket nations. The initiative is being spearheaded by Africa Cricket Association chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani.

The long-term vision is expected to culminate in the launch of the Africa Cup in 2027, a proposed flagship continental competition that would provide African cricket nations with a structured platform to compete at the highest level.

The Windhoek tournament therefore represents an important step towards creating a stronger and more connected African cricket calendar.

For Zimbabwe, the immediate objective will be to finish among the top two and qualify for the final. However, the Chevrons will also be looking to use the tournament to develop combinations, assess players and build confidence in the T20I format.

The absence of Ngarava and Chivanga will test Zimbabwe’s bowling depth, but their injuries also create opportunities for other players to step up and make their mark at international level.

The return of Cremer provides additional experience, while the presence of younger players gives Zimbabwe an opportunity to continue building for the future.

The Chevrons will enter the competition knowing that there is little room for inconsistency. With only four group matches for each team, every victory will be important in the race for the final.

Zimbabwe’s campaign begins on 29 August against South Africa, followed by matches against Namibia and a second round of fixtures against both opponents.

If the Chevrons can produce consistent performances, they will have a strong opportunity to reach the final and compete for the first trophy of the landmark tri-series.

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, Tafadzwa Tsiga.

Fixtures

28 August: Namibia vs South Africa
29 August: South Africa vs Zimbabwe
31 August: Namibia vs Zimbabwe
1 September: Zimbabwe vs South Africa
3 September: Zimbabwe vs Namibia
4 September: South Africa vs Namibia
6 September: Final

The Windhoek tri-series promises to be an important chapter for Zimbabwe, combining competitive T20I cricket with a wider ambition to strengthen the future of African cricket.