Zimbabwe is back at the World Cup stage, marking a significant comeback after missing the 2023 ODI tournament and the 2024 T20I World Cup. For a Full Member nation, simply qualifying was the first major hurdle.
Now, the challenge is proving they can still compete as newer teams like Afghanistan and various Associate nations continue to climb the rankings.
The Roadmap Ahead:
In their last T20I World Cup appearance in Australia, Zimbabwe performed well, reaching the Super 12s. This year, the task is much harder. They are grouped with former champions Australia and Sri Lanka.
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While reaching the Super Eight stage might be a tall order, Zimbabwe views victories over Oman and Ireland as non-negotiable requirements.
Key Players and Strategy
To succeed, Zimbabwe must find runs beyond their veteran stars. While Sikandar Raza and the returning Brendan Taylor remain vital, much of the pressure falls on young talent Brian Bennett. Bennett is an aggressive opener with a strike rate of 145.48, and the team relies on him for fast starts.
On the bowling side, Zimbabwe boasts a balanced attack:
- Pace: Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, and Brad Evans provide swing and variation.
- Spin: A diverse group featuring Raza, Wellington Masakadza, Ryan Burl, and the veteran Graeme Cremer.
Zimbabwe’s recent form is a mixed bag. They dominated the qualifiers, winning all five matches. However, they struggled against top-tier nations in 2025, losing series to South Africa, New Zealand, and Afghanistan. A major concern is their lack of match practice; the team hasn’t played competitive cricket in two months.
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The exception is captain Sikandar Raza, who arrives fresh from a successful stint in the SA20. Alongside 39-year-old veterans Taylor and Cremer, Raza forms the core of an experienced squad.
With half the team having prior World Cup experience, Zimbabwe hopes this maturity will lead them to an upset against the big teams and secure their place in the next round.