Zimbabwe Cricket names ODI, T20I squads for UAE tour and tri-series
Synopsis
Zimbabwe Cricket has unveiled its ODI and T20I squads for a packed month-long UAE tour, with Sikandar Raza captaining both sides in the absence of injured Richard Ngarava. Potential debutants Tafadzwa Tsiga and Vincent Masekesa add intrigue, while a tri-series showdown against Afghanistan and Bangladesh from 17 October headline the assignment.
Key Takeaways
Zimbabwe Cricket announced ODI and T20I squads for a UAE tour running 17 October – 17 November 2026 .
Sikandar Raza captains both sides; Richard Ngarava is absent with a back injury.
An ODI tri-series with Afghanistan and Bangladesh runs from 17–23 October , followed by three T20Is on 27, 29 October and 1 November .
Tafadzwa Tsiga and Vincent Masekesa are in contention for their ODI and T20I debuts .
Innocent Kaia returns for the T20I squad after recovering from a thigh strain.
The Test squad, for two matches on 5–9 November and 13–17 November , will be named closer to the series.
Zimbabwe Cricket has announced its limited-overs squads for a comprehensive multi-format tour of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), spanning 17 October to 17 November 2026. The touring party will compete in an ODI tri-series alongside hosts Afghanistan and Bangladesh, followed by three T20Is against Afghanistan and two Test matches to round off the assignment.
Squad Composition and Key Selections
Sikandar Raza will lead Zimbabwe in both the ODI and T20I series, stepping in for regular captain Richard Ngarava, who remains unavailable due to a back injury. The ODI squad is built largely around the core that faced Australia in Harare last month, with two changes: Tafadzwa Tsiga and Vincent Masekesa replace Innocent Kaia and Graeme Cremer.
Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed in an official release on Friday that Kaia is working his way back from a thigh strain but is expected to be fit for the T20I leg of the tour. Both Tsiga and Masekesa are in contention for their ODI debuts, adding fresh dimensions to a squad that balances proven internationals with an emerging generation.
Batting and Bowling Depth
Experience in the batting group is anchored by Raza, Craig Ervine, and Brendan Taylor, supported by the younger talents of Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, and Tadiwanashe Marumani. The pace attack is spearheaded by Blessing Muzarabani, with Brad Evans, Ernest Masuku, and Newman Nyamhuri providing backup. The spin department features Wellington Masakadza and the all-rounders, with Masekesa adding an additional option.
For the T20I series, Masekesa is again included alongside Tsiga — both in contention for debuts in the shortest format. Notably, Kundai Matigimu is set to replace Evans for the third and final T20I.
Full Tour Schedule
Zimbabwe open the ODI tri-series against Bangladesh on 17 October, before meeting Afghanistan on 19 October. The hosts take on Bangladesh in the final round-robin fixture on 21 October, with the top two sides advancing to the final on 23 October.
The tri-series is followed by three T20Is between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan on 27 October, 29 October, and 1 November. The tour concludes with two Test matches, scheduled for 5–9 November and 13–17 November. Zimbabwe's Test squad is yet to be named and will be announced in the days leading up to the series.
Full Squad Lists
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, Wessly Madhevere.
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, Wessly Madhevere.
The Test squad announcement is expected to follow in the coming days, setting the stage for a month-long tour that could define Zimbabwe's limited-overs trajectory heading into the next international cycle.
Point of View
Signalling a mild transitional phase in their white-ball setup. The absence of Ngarava, even as captain rather than a specialist bowler, forces a leadership consolidation under Raza at a time when squad depth is still being stress-tested. The tri-series format is a useful competitive opportunity, but Zimbabwe's real gauge will be how their emerging pace and spin options — particularly Tsiga and Masekesa — hold up against two stronger ODI sides. Consistent exposure to high-pressure bilateral and multi-nation formats in neutral conditions could be the developmental lever Zimbabwe need before the next ICC cycle.
NationPress
9 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zimbabwe's schedule for the UAE tour in October–November 2026?
Zimbabwe play an ODI tri-series with Afghanistan and Bangladesh from 17–23 October, followed by three T20Is against Afghanistan on 27, 29 October and 1 November, and two Test matches from 5–9 November and 13–17 November. The tour runs from 17 October to 17 November 2026.
Who is captaining Zimbabwe on the UAE tour?
Sikandar Raza will captain Zimbabwe in both the ODI and T20I series. Regular captain Richard Ngarava is sidelined with a back injury and has not been included in the touring party.
Which new players could make their debuts on this tour?
Tafadzwa Tsiga and Vincent Masekesa are both in contention for their ODI debuts, and Masekesa is also included in the T20I squad as a potential debutant in the shortest format. Both are described as additions who expand Zimbabwe's options while blending youth with established internationals.
Why was Innocent Kaia left out of the ODI squad?
Innocent Kaia was omitted from the ODI squad due to a thigh strain he is recovering from. Zimbabwe Cricket indicated he is expected to regain full fitness in time for the T20I series, for which he has been included.
When will Zimbabwe's Test squad for the UAE tour be announced?
Zimbabwe Cricket has not yet named the Test squad for the two matches scheduled for 5–9 November and 13–17 November. The announcement is expected in the days leading up to the Test series.
