Cricket

Zimbabwe has announced its ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming series against Pakistan, featuring a blend of experienced and uncapped players.ODI Squad:The ODI squad includes three uncapped players: Trevor Gwandu, Tashinga Musekiwa, and Tinotenda Maposa. Gwandu and Musekiwa have represented Zimbabwe in T20Is, while Maposa, a 21-year-old fast bowler, is yet to make his international debut.Seasoned players like Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza, and Sean Williams provide stability to the squad. Youngsters Clive Madande, Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, and the uncapped trio bring energy and potential.T20I Squad:Zimbabwe has retained the same T20I squad that won the men's T20 World Cup 2026 sub-regional qualifier in Kenya. The team broke the record for the highest T20I total during that tournament.Sikandar Raza will captain the T20I side, which includes 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, and Richard Ngarava.Series Schedule:The white-ball series against Pakistan will commence with the first ODI on November 24 and conclude on December 5. Bulawayo will host all six matches, including three ODIs and three T20Is.

Zimbabwe is set to host Afghanistan for a historic all-format tour, featuring the country's first Boxing Day Test in 28 years and its inaugural New Year's Test. Both matches will be played in Bulawayo.The tour will commence with three T20Is in Harare from December 9-12, followed by three ODIs from December 15-19. The teams will then travel to Bulawayo for the two-Test series.Zimbabwe's only previous Boxing Day Test was in 1996 against England in Harare, which ended in a draw due to rain. The country has also participated in Boxing Day Tests in Wellington (2000) and Port Elizabeth (2017).Zimbabwe Cricket chair Tavengwa Mukuhlani expressed excitement about the upcoming tour, stating, "Boxing Day and New Year's Test matches are iconic cricket fixtures that we are delighted to be adding to our calendar this festive season."Afghanistan Cricket Board counterpart Mirwais Ashraf added, "The all-format tour to Zimbabwe is a significant event for us. We have a rich history with Zimbabwe, and playing there has always been challenging."Afghanistan and Zimbabwe have faced off in two Test matches, 28 ODIs, and 15 T20Is, with each team claiming one victory in the Test series held in Abu Dhabi in 2021.The tour promises to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the talents of both teams across all formats of the game.

Zimbabwe has unveiled its 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup regional qualifiers in Kenya, featuring two uncapped players: allrounder Tashinga Musekiwa and fast bowler Tinotenda Maposa. The team, led by experienced Sikandar Raza, aims to secure a spot in the main tournament in 2026.The squad boasts a blend of youth and experience, with an average age of 26. Musekiwa, 24, has limited T20 experience but has impressed in domestic cricket. Maposa, 21, has shown promise in first-class matches.Fast bowler Trevor Gwandu returns to the side after a brief absence. He last played for Zimbabwe in December 2023 and has since performed well in domestic competitions.Zimbabwe's head coach, Justin Sammons, expressed confidence in the young squad's ability to qualify. "We have picked a young squad that is good enough to make us qualify and I am confident they will deliver in Kenya," he said.The team will face competition from Gambia, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, and the Seychelles in the six-team qualifier. The top two teams will advance to the regional final, where they will join Namibia and Uganda.Zimbabwe's squad includes:* Sikandar Raza (captain)* Akram Faraz* 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

Zimbabwe's T20 skipper Sikandar Raza has highlighted the transformative impact of franchise cricket on the development of players from lower-ranked nations. Despite limited opportunities to compete against top-tier teams, franchise leagues have provided a platform for these players to learn from and collaborate with elite cricketers.Raza, who has played in franchise leagues worldwide, emphasized the confidence boost and knowledge gained by Zimbabwean players through these experiences. He believes that franchise cricket has significantly enhanced the skill level of lower-ranked nations.However, Raza also acknowledged the challenges faced by Zimbabwe due to its small pool of active cricketers. With a population of around 14 million, only 2,000 individuals actively play cricket. Despite this limitation, Zimbabwe has shown glimpses of its potential on the international stage.Raza remains a strong advocate for Test cricket, considering it the ultimate test of a player's abilities. He expressed his excitement for Zimbabwe's upcoming one-off Test against England in 2023, their first in the country since 2003. He commended the England Cricket Board for providing touring fees and urged other top nations to follow suit.Raza believes that increased Test match opportunities would significantly contribute to Zimbabwe's growth as a cricketing nation. He highlighted the financial challenges associated with hosting Test matches and expressed gratitude to India for their support in hosting Zimbabwe in the past.

Australian batting maestro David Warner has set his sights on amassing runs at the Harare Sports Club in the upcoming Zim Afro T10 tournament. However, Zimbabwean captain Sikandar Raza hopes that a local player will outshine the international stars.Raza, who was impressed by the quality of cricket in the inaugural edition, believes that the second season will be even more exciting with the addition of international players like Warner, Dawid Malan, James Neesham, and Colin Munro."We have attracted a lot more international cricketers, with the likes of David Warner, one of the main signings of the season this year," said Raza. "This is going to be a very exciting tournament for sure."However, Raza's primary goal is for a Zimbabwean player to excel in the tournament. "I'm really hoping and praying that it's a Zimbabwean who scores the most number of runs, takes the most number of catches, and takes the most number of wickets," he said. "The growth for Zimbabwean cricket in this tournament is very crucial."While Warner is a major signing, pacer Blessing Muzarabani is the only Zimbabwean to be named a Global Icon for the NYS Lagos. Raza expressed his pride in Muzarabani's achievement."Certainly, very happy with that," said Raza. "Blessing has done really well over the past year and he has suddenly earned that right to be a Global Icon as well. As long as there is Zimbabwean representation, it makes me happy."Raza, who was a standout performer in the inaugural edition, is determined to contribute to his team's success. "The mentality is the same: to win the trophy," he said. "Cricket is a team game, but filled with individual brilliance, and if I can contribute for the success of the team, it will go a long way."Raza also encouraged young Zimbabwean players to learn from the international stars. "Enjoy as much as you can, and learn and grow as much as you can," he said. "Try and spend as much time as you can with the overseas players that are here, because they only here for 9-10 days. Try and learn as much as you can and you'll see that you can take this learning in your personal growth and that will help you to become a better cricketer."Raza believes that the T10 format has the potential to grow the sport and even make it an Olympic event. "T10 is a format that can definitely take cricket to the Olympic Games," he said.

In a thrilling Test match played in Harare from September 3-7, 2013, Zimbabwe pulled off a remarkable 24-run victory over Pakistan, marking their first Test win against the Asian giants in over a decade.Zimbabwe, batting first, posted a competitive 294 in their first innings, thanks to half-centuries from Brendan Taylor (51) and Hamilton Masakadza (75). Pakistan responded with 230, anchored by Younis Khan's gritty 87, but Zimbabwe held onto a narrow lead.In their second innings, Zimbabwe scored 199, setting Pakistan a target of 264 to chase. Despite Pakistan's formidable batting lineup, they crumbled under pressure in the final innings.Tendai Chatara emerged as Zimbabwe's bowling hero, taking 5 wickets for 61 runs. Pakistan struggled against Zimbabwe's disciplined attack, with only Misbah-ul-Haq showing resilience with a well-fought 79. However, Pakistan were bowled out for 239, falling short by 24 runs.This victory was Zimbabwe's third Test win over Pakistan, following earlier triumphs in 1995 in Harare and in Peshawar in 1998. It also prevented Pakistan from completing a clean sweep of the two-match series, as they had won the first Test by a massive 221 runs.Zimbabwe's stunning victory was a testament to their resilience and determination, and it marked a significant moment in their cricketing history.

England's 2025 home cricket season promises an exciting array of fixtures, with both the men's and women's teams hosting major series. The highlight will be the five-Test series against India, which will run concurrently with a five-match T20I series between the women's teams.The season kicks off on May 21 with England Women facing West Indies in the first of three T20Is. The men's team will then take on Zimbabwe in a one-off Test at Trent Bridge from May 22-25. This will be the first Test meeting between the two sides since the 2007 World T20.The white-ball series against West Indies will follow, with three ODIs and three T20Is scheduled. The men's team will then host India for a five-Test series, starting at Headingley on June 20. The women's team will also face India in a five-match T20I series, beginning at Trent Bridge on June 28.The Hundred is likely to occupy much of August, but England Men will conclude their international program with six white-ball games against South Africa before traveling to Ireland for a three-match ODI series.In 2026, Lord's will host its first women's Test when India return for a one-off game. This will be a historic occasion, marking a significant milestone in the growth of women's cricket.ECB Chief Executive Officer Richard Gould expressed his excitement about the upcoming season, saying, "Staging England Men's and England Women's series alongside each other has been popular with fans and supported the continued growth of the women's game."He added, "India touring is always a big draw and a highlight of any cricket summer. I'm delighted we'll also be welcoming both West Indies teams back again for white-ball series, following this year's men's Test series."

Sikandar Raza, the Zimbabwean all-rounder, has established himself as one of the most talented players in the country's cricketing history. Since his international debut in 2013, Raza has made significant contributions across all formats, including 17 Tests, 142 ODIs, and 91 T20Is.Beyond his international exploits, Raza has also showcased his skills in domestic leagues such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL). His versatility as a batsman and bowler has made him a valuable asset to any team.Recently, Raza's loyalty to Zimbabwe Cricket was questioned on social media. A fan inquired if he had ever considered playing for Pakistan, his country of birth. However, Raza remained steadfast in his commitment to Zimbabwe, expressing his gratitude for the support and investment the board had made in his career."I will only and ever represent Zimbabwe," Raza stated. "They spent time and money on me, and I am only trying to repay their faith. Whatever I achieve will never even get close to repaying it. Zim is mine, and I am theirs fully."In a separate post, Raza revealed his admiration for several international players, including India's Jasprit Bumrah, Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi, and former West Indies all-rounder Sunil Narine. He also named Abdullah Shafiq, Craig Ervine, and Rohit Sharma as his favorite batsmen.Raza's leadership qualities were evident during Zimbabwe's recent T20I series against India, where he captained the team. Despite taking an early lead, Zimbabwe ultimately lost the series 4-1.Statistically, Raza has amassed 1187 runs and 34 wickets in Tests, 4154 runs in ODIs, and 2037 runs in T20Is. In the IPL, he has represented Punjab Kings, scoring 182 runs and taking three wickets in nine matches.Raza's unwavering loyalty to Zimbabwe Cricket, combined with his exceptional talent and leadership abilities, solidifies his status as one of the most respected and influential players in the country's cricketing history.

Ireland and Zimbabwe Recreate Rare All-Run Five, Reminiscent of 1992 India-Australia ClassicOn Day 4 of the one-off Test between Ireland and Zimbabwe at Belfast's Civil Service Cricket Club, an extraordinary and rare incident occurred that sparked widespread excitement on social media. Ireland batters Lorcan Tucker and Andy McBrine completed an all-run five during their team's second innings, a feat that brought back memories of a similar moment from 1992.In the 18th over of Ireland's chase of 158, McBrine punched a delivery from Zimbabwe's Richard Ngarava through the covers. Zimbabwe fielder Tendai Chatara chased the ball and managed to stop it just inside the ropes. However, Tucker and McBrine showcased remarkable running between the wickets, completing five runs.This exceptional play contributed significantly to Ireland's recovery and eventual four-wicket victory, with McBrine remaining unbeaten on 55. The viral video of this incident brought to mind the 1992 match between India and Australia at the Adelaide Oval.During India's first innings, Javagal Srinath drove a pitch-up delivery from Australia's Craig McDermott through the off-side. Allan Border, fielding at mid-off, chased the ball as it raced towards the boundary. Border managed to save the boundary, but the Indian tailenders Raju and Srinath ran five, marking a rare achievement in cricket history.The resurgence of these videos has created a buzz on social media platforms, with fans and analysts reminiscing about these remarkable moments. These incidents, separated by decades, highlight the spirit of cricket and the unforgettable moments that make the sport beloved by millions worldwide.