Sikandar Raza has been named captain of Zimbabwe for their upcoming tour of the United Arab Emirates, where they will face Afghanistan and Bangladesh in a busy month of white-ball and Test cricket. Raza will lead the side in both ODIs and T20Is during the assignment, which runs from October 17 to November 17.
Zimbabwe’s UAE tour will begin with an ODI tri-series involving Afghanistan and Bangladesh before moving into a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. The tour will conclude with two Test matches against the Afghans, giving Zimbabwe an opportunity to compete across all three formats.
Raza’s appointment comes as regular ODI captain Richard Ngarava continues his recovery from a back injury. The experienced all-rounder will take responsibility for guiding Zimbabwe through a demanding schedule against two competitive Asian sides.
Zimbabwe Announce ODI Squad
Zimbabwe have largely retained the group that faced Australia in Harare last month for the upcoming ODI tri-series. However, there are two changes to the squad, with Tafadzwa Tsiga and Vincent Masekesa replacing Innocent Kaia and Graeme Cremer.
Kaia is still recovering from a thigh strain but is expected to become available for the T20I series against Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Tsiga and Masekesa will look to make the most of their opportunities, with both players in contention to make their international debuts in the white-ball formats.
The ODI squad combines experienced campaigners with younger players who are looking to establish themselves at the international level.
Craig Ervine and Brendan Taylor bring experience to the batting department, while Raza’s all-round abilities provide additional flexibility. Ben Curran, Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani will also be expected to contribute with the bat.
Zimbabwe’s bowling attack will be led by Blessing Muzarabani, who will be supported by Brad Evans, Ernest Masuku and Newman Nyamhuri. Wellington Masakadza and Masekesa provide spin options as the team prepares for conditions in the UAE.
Zimbabwe ODI Squad
Sikandar Raza (captain), Ben Curran, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Brendan Taylor, Brian Bennett, Craig Ervine, Ernest Masuku, Newman Nyamhuri, Ryan Burl, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza and Wessly Madhevere.
Zimbabwe Begin Tri-Series Against Bangladesh
Zimbabwe will open their ODI tri-series campaign against Bangladesh on October 17 before facing Afghanistan two days later on October 19.
Afghanistan and Bangladesh will meet in the final round-robin match on October 21. The top two teams will then qualify for the final, scheduled for October 23.
The tri-series will provide Zimbabwe with an important test against two sides familiar with playing in Asian conditions. Consistent performances across the group stage will be essential if Raza’s team hopes to reach the final.
For the Zimbabwean squad, the competition will also offer valuable preparation ahead of the subsequent T20I and Test matches against Afghanistan.
Raza to Captain Zimbabwe in T20Is Too
Zimbabwe will remain in the UAE for a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. The matches are scheduled for October 27 and 29, followed by the final game on November 1.
Kaia is expected to return to contention for the shortest format after recovering from his thigh injury. Tsiga and Masekesa have also been included in the T20I squad as they look to secure opportunities at international level.
There is one additional change planned for the final T20I. Kundai Matigimu will replace Brad Evans for the third and final match against Afghanistan.
Raza’s leadership and experience will be particularly important in the T20 format, where Zimbabwe will need to adapt quickly to different match situations. The all-rounder is expected to play a central role with both bat and ball.
Zimbabwe T20I Squad
Sikandar Raza (captain), Ben Curran, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Brian Bennett, Innocent Kaia, Kundai Matigimu, Newman Nyamhuri, Ryan Burl, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza and Wessly Madhevere.
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Two-Test Series to Conclude the Tour
The final leg of Zimbabwe’s UAE assignment will be a two-match Test series against Afghanistan. The first Test is scheduled for November 5–9, while the second will take place from November 13–17.
The Test matches will bring the month-long tour to a close and provide both teams with an opportunity to test their longer-format strengths.
For Zimbabwe, the demanding schedule will require careful management of player workloads, particularly among the fast bowlers. The team will also need contributions from its experienced batters to remain competitive across the different formats.
Raza’s appointment places him at the centre of Zimbabwe’s plans for the tour. With a tri-series, three T20Is and two Tests on the schedule, his leadership will be crucial as the team looks to build momentum and secure positive results in the UAE.