Zimbabwe has announced their 17-member T20I squad for the upcoming series against Team India which is slated to start from June 6. Sikandar Raza will be seen spearheading the Zimbabwe side. Notably, India and Zimbabwe will be playing a five-match T20I series.
Zimbabwe Announce Young Squad for India Series with Promising Newcomer
Zimbabwe's T20 squad, set to play India starting July 6th in Harare, features a blend of youthful talent and experienced heads. The average age of 27 reflects a focus on rebuilding after missing the 2024 T20 World Cup. The squad's most seasoned player is captain Sikandar Raza (38) with 86 T20I appearances. All-rounder Luke Jongwe (29) follows closely with 63 appearances. Experienced pace bowlers Richard Ngarava (26) and Blessing Muzarabani (27) add crucial firepower with 52 and 51 T20I matches respectively. An interesting inclusion is 25-year-old batsman Antum Naqvi. Born in Belgium to Pakistani parents, he has impressed in domestic cricket with a T20 strike rate of 146.80 and strong averages in first-class and List A formats (72.00 and 73.42 respectively). His official selection awaits confirmation of his Zimbabwean citizenship. If approved, Naqvi could significantly boost the batting lineup under new head coach Justin Sammons.
Zimbabwe's T20 squad for the upcoming India series in Harare boasts a blend of familiar faces and exciting prospects. The team welcomes back key players like Tendai Chatara, Wessly Madhevere, Brandon Mavuta, Dion Myers, Innocent Kaia, and Milton Shumba. These returning members join Clive Madande, Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Wellington Masakadza, Tadiwanashe Marumani, and Faraz Akram who were retained from the previous squad. The selectors have opted for a refresh, omitting five players from the last Bangladesh series. Notably, veterans Craig Ervine and Sean Williams are not included, while Ryan Burl, Joylord Gumbie, and Ainsley Ndlovu miss out as well.
This series offers a golden chance for Zimbabwe's rising stars to gain valuable international experience. Under new leadership, the team aims to regroup and put on a strong showing against a powerful Indian side. The first two matches kick off at 1 PM local time on Saturday and Sunday at the Harare Sports Club.
Zimbabwe's squad for T20I series against India:
Raza Sikandar (captain), Akram Faraz, Bennett Brian, Campbell Johnathan, Chatara Tendai, Jongwe Luke, Kaia Innocent, Madande Clive, Madhevere Wessly, Marumani Tadiwanashe, Masakadza Wellington, Mavuta Brandon, Muzarabani Blessing, Myers Dion, Naqvi Antum, Ngarava Richard, Shumba Milton
India’s squad for T20I series against Zimbabwe:
Ꮪhubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Shivam Dube, Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Tushar Deshpande.
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