In a huge blow to Zimbabwe, their veteran wicketkeeper-batter Brendan Taylor has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20 World Cup 2026. Taylor suffered a hamstring injury in Zimbabwe's campaign opener against Oman where he was retired hurt for a 30-ball 31. in the successful run chase of 104. He had taken three catches behind the stumps as Oman were bowled out for 103 in 19.5 overs.
In the absence of an injured Taylor, 24-year-old Tadiwanashe Marumani will take up the wicketkeeping gloves. The 40-year-old has been replaced by all-rounder Tony Munyonga in the playing eleven against Australia at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
“We've got two changes unfortunately. Brendan Taylor picked up an injury and he's been ruled out of the competition. On the other hand, Richard Ngarava is more of a precautionary measure. His first scan and second scan has come back pretty positive. So he misses out today as well. And for those, Tony Munyonga and Greame Creamer are in,” skipper Sikandar Raza said after Australia’s stand-in captain Travis Head won the toss and opted to bowl first.
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Zimbabwe are yet to name a replacement for Taylor. After taking on Australia, they are scheduled to take on Ireland and co-hosts Sri Lanka on February 17 and 19 respectively.
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Zimbabwe’s updated T20 World Cup 2026 squad
Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dion Myers, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Tony Munyonga, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Graeme Cremer.
Taylor’s massive 2007 feat vs Australia
Taylor was part of Zimbabwe's squad for the inaugural T20 World Cup 2007. He featured in Zimbabwe's only T20I win over Australia. In Cape Town, he scored an unbeaten 60 off 45 balls against Ricky Ponting's Australia, taking his team over the line with a ball to spare and five wickets in hand.
Taylor turned 40 earlier this month. He has played 59 T20Is and scored 1,216 runs at an average of 24.32 and strike rate of 122.33. He is one of the three centurions for Zimbabwe in T20Is.