Sikandar Raza to lead Zimbabwe in T20I tri-series; Cremer returns

Zimbabwe’s veteran all-rounder Sikandar Raza has been named captain of the 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 International tri-series against Namibia and South Africa.

The tri-series is scheduled to take place in Windhoek from August 28 to September 6. Each of the three teams will play each other twice in the league stage before the top two face off in the final.

Experienced spinner Graeme Cremer returns to the national team after recovering from a left-arm injury that sidelined him during Zimbabwe’s recent home series against Bangladesh and India. Kundai Matigimu, a pacer who has played one Test match for Zimbabwe, has also been included in the squad.

Zimbabwe will miss fast bowlers Richard Ngarava and Tanaka Chivanga due to injuries. Ngarava is recovering from a lower-back issue, while Chivanga underwent surgery following an Achilles tendon injury sustained during practice. Both players remain under the care of Zimbabwe Cricket’s medical staff.

The full Zimbabwe squad comprises 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.

Zimbabwe will start their campaign against South Africa on August 29, followed by a match against Namibia on August 31. They will face South Africa again on September 1 and Namibia on September 3. The reverse fixtures will complete the league phase, with the final set for September 6.

South Africa and Namibia have already announced their squads for the tri-series.

Fixtures for the T20I tri-series are as follows:

• August 28: Namibia v South Africa, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
• August 29: South Africa v Zimbabwe, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
• August 31: Namibia v Zimbabwe, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
• September 1: Zimbabwe v South Africa, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
• September 3: Namibia v Zimbabwe, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
• September 4: Namibia v South Africa, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
• September 6: Final, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek (teams to be confirmed)