Zimbabwe announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 International tri-series in Pakistan. The series will also featured Sri Lanka, as part of their preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The tri-series will serve as a key build-up for the African side, who recently booked their World Cup spot after an unbeaten run in the Africa Qualifier. The selectors made just one change from the team that faced Afghanistan at home, showing faith in the current core.
Fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani was ruled out with a back injury, paving the way for uncapped pacer Newman Nyamhuri, who earns his first international call-up.
Sikandar Raza to continue as captain
All-rounder Sikandar Raza will continue to lead Zimbabwe, bringing consistency and confidence to the side. Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Brendan Taylor returns to the national team, bolstering experience and leadership. Senior players Ryan Burl, Wellington Masakadza, and Graeme Cremer add further depth to the lineup.
According to Zimbabwe Cricket, the squad balances seasoned performers with young talent, ensuring tactical experimentation ahead of next year’s global showpiece.
Tri-series schedule in Pakistan
Zimbabwe open their campaign against Pakistan on November 17 in Rawalpindi, followed by a clash with Sri Lanka on November 19. Matches in Lahore include fixtures against Pakistan on November 23 and Sri Lanka on November 25, with the final scheduled for November 29.
With Raza’s leadership and Taylor’s return, Zimbabwe aim to sharpen combinations and adapt to subcontinent conditions before the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Pakistan-Sri Lanka first ODI in Rawalpindi
Meanwhile, Pakistan is set to face Sri Lanka in three-match One-Day International Series in Rawalpindi from Tuesday. In this series, Pakistan will look to extend their winning momentum in white-ball cricket when they face Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The second and third ODIs will be played on November 13 and November 15 at the same venue.
According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), all matches will start at 2:30 pm, with the toss scheduled for 2:00 pm local time.
Pakistan Riding High After South Africa Series Win
The series follows Pakistan’s impressive home victories over South Africa, where the hosts clinched both T20I and ODI series 2-1.
The contests marked Shaheen Shah Afridi’s first assignment as ODI captain, during which he led Pakistan to a memorable series win.
Upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series
After the Sri Lanka ODIs, Pakistan will participate in a tri-nation T20I series featuring Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, scheduled from November 17 to 29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Head-to-Head Record and Key Performers
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have faced each other in 157 ODIs, with Pakistan winning 93 and Sri Lanka 59.
In Pakistan, both teams have met 30 times, with the hosts leading 18-12. Their last bilateral ODI series in 2019 ended 2-0 in Pakistan’s favour.
