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Zimbabwe pick 3 uncapped players in ODI squad for Pakistan series
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Zimbabwe has named its squad for the highly anticipated white-ball series against Pakistan, which will begin with the first ODI on November 24 in Bulawayo. The series, which includes three ODIs and three T20Is, will run until December 5. It will be a crucial platform for the Zimbabwean team to showcase their skills and build momentum ahead of future international competitions.
The ODI squad has a balanced mix of experience and youth, with seasoned players like Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza, and Sean Williams providing stability in the side. These players are expected to guide the team through the challenges posed by Pakistan, a formidable side in both formats. The inclusion of younger players such as Clive Madande, Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, and the uncapped trio of quick bowler Tanaka Maposa, as well as T20I veterans Tarisai Musakanda and Richard Ngarava, brings fresh energy and potential for game-changing moments.
David Mutendera, Zimbabwe's convener of selectors, highlighted the importance of the series, stating, "The series against Pakistan is an important platform for Zimbabwe, and we believe the ODI squad we have selected is well-rounded. The presence of seasoned players like Craig, Sikandar, and Sean provides stability, while young players bring energy and the potential for big performances."
Maposa, a 21-year-old uncapped bowler, will be making his international debut in the series. Having played only three List A matches so far, where he has taken four wickets at an economy rate of 6.29, Maposa will be keen to prove himself on the big stage. Meanwhile, experienced seamers Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava will continue to lead the attack in both ODIs and T20Is.
Sean Williams, who was sidelined due to injury during the white-ball series in Sri Lanka earlier this year, has returned to the ODI squad but has been omitted from the T20I side. ODI captain Craig Ervine also misses out on the T20I squad, focusing on the longer format.
Zimbabwe has retained the same T20I squad that triumphed in the Men's T20 World Cup 2026 sub-regional qualifier in Kenya last month, where the team set a new record for the highest T20I total. Mutendera emphasized the importance of continuity, saying, "We felt it was essential to maintain the same T20I squad that excelled in Kenya. This continuity allows the team to build on the cohesion and confidence that drove their outstanding performance."
The white-ball series against Pakistan promises to be a thrilling contest, with Zimbabwe eager to make their mark on home soil. All matches will be hosted in Bulawayo, and cricket fans are eagerly anticipating the action.
Zimbabwe ODI squad for series against Pakistan
Craig Ervine (capt), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Joylord Gumbie, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brandon Mavuta, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams
Zimbabwe T20I squad for series against Pakistan
Sikandar Raza (capt), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava
The ODI squad has a balanced mix of experience and youth, with seasoned players like Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza, and Sean Williams providing stability in the side. These players are expected to guide the team through the challenges posed by Pakistan, a formidable side in both formats. The inclusion of younger players such as Clive Madande, Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, and the uncapped trio of quick bowler Tanaka Maposa, as well as T20I veterans Tarisai Musakanda and Richard Ngarava, brings fresh energy and potential for game-changing moments.
David Mutendera, Zimbabwe's convener of selectors, highlighted the importance of the series, stating, "The series against Pakistan is an important platform for Zimbabwe, and we believe the ODI squad we have selected is well-rounded. The presence of seasoned players like Craig, Sikandar, and Sean provides stability, while young players bring energy and the potential for big performances."
Maposa, a 21-year-old uncapped bowler, will be making his international debut in the series. Having played only three List A matches so far, where he has taken four wickets at an economy rate of 6.29, Maposa will be keen to prove himself on the big stage. Meanwhile, experienced seamers Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava will continue to lead the attack in both ODIs and T20Is.
Sean Williams, who was sidelined due to injury during the white-ball series in Sri Lanka earlier this year, has returned to the ODI squad but has been omitted from the T20I side. ODI captain Craig Ervine also misses out on the T20I squad, focusing on the longer format.
Zimbabwe has retained the same T20I squad that triumphed in the Men's T20 World Cup 2026 sub-regional qualifier in Kenya last month, where the team set a new record for the highest T20I total. Mutendera emphasized the importance of continuity, saying, "We felt it was essential to maintain the same T20I squad that excelled in Kenya. This continuity allows the team to build on the cohesion and confidence that drove their outstanding performance."
The white-ball series against Pakistan promises to be a thrilling contest, with Zimbabwe eager to make their mark on home soil. All matches will be hosted in Bulawayo, and cricket fans are eagerly anticipating the action.
Zimbabwe ODI squad for series against Pakistan
Craig Ervine (capt), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Joylord Gumbie, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brandon Mavuta, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams
Zimbabwe T20I squad for series against Pakistan
Sikandar Raza (capt), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava
Source - NewZimbabwe