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Sikandar Raza to Lead Zimbabwe's Experienced Squad for 2026 T20 World Cup

Zimbabwe Cricket has announced a 15-man squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup, with veteran all-rounder Sikandar Raza continuing as captain. The selection emphasizes continuity, featuring only one change with the return of fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani to bolster the pace attack. The squad blends experienced players like Brendan Taylor and Graeme Cremer with promising youngsters such as Brian Bennett. Zimbabwe will compete in Group B against Australia, Ireland, Oman, and Sri Lanka, beginning their campaign against Oman in Colombo on February 9.

Key Points: Zimbabwe's T20 World Cup 2026 Squad Led by Sikandar Raza

  • Sikandar Raza retains captaincy
  • Blessing Muzarabani returns from injury
  • Blend of youth and experience
  • Drawn in Group B with Australia
  • Opens campaign vs Oman on Feb 9
2 min read

Sikandar Raza to lead 15-man Zimbabwe squad in Men's T20 World Cup 2026

Zimbabwe Cricket names Sikandar Raza as captain for the 2026 T20 World Cup. See the full 15-man squad, group stage fixtures, and team analysis.

"Continuity is a defining feature of the selection. - Zimbabwe Cricket"

Harare, Jan 2

Zimbabwe Cricket on Friday announced a 15-man squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Veteran all-rounder Sikandar Raza will captain the side, continuing his leadership role as Zimbabwe look to make a strong impression on the global stage.

Continuity is a defining feature of the selection, with fit-again fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani the only addition to the squad that competed in the T20I triangular series in Pakistan in November, which also featured Sri Lanka. Muzarabani will spearhead the pace attack alongside left-arm seamer Richard Ngarava, with Bradley Evans and Tinotenda Maposa providing depth and flexibility to Zimbabwe's seam-bowling options.

The spin department leans on experience and control, with veteran Graeme Cremer earning a recall to partner Wellington Masakadza. Zimbabwe's batting line-up blends youthful promise with proven experience.

Young batters Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani will be eager to make a lasting impression on cricket's biggest stage, while wicketkeeper-batter Brendan Taylor brings a wealth of experience and composure to the top order.

All-rounder Ryan Burl adds balance with his power-hitting and leg-spin, while Tashinga Musekiwa, Clive Madande, Tony Munyonga, and Dion Myers complete a versatile and well-rounded squad.

Zimbabwe has been drawn in Group B, where they will face Australia, Ireland, Oman, and co-hosts Sri Lanka, as the top two teams from the group will advance to the Super Eight stage of the tournament.

Zimbabwe will open their T20 World Cup campaign against Oman at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo on February 9, before a high-profile encounter against Australia at the R. Premadasa Stadium on February 13.

The team will then travel to Kandy to face Ireland at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on February 17, before returning to Colombo to conclude their group fixtures against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium on February 19.

Zimbabwe squad:

Sikandar Raza (captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Bradley Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Brendan Taylor.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Exciting to see the tournament co-hosted here! The schedule looks tough for Zimbabwe though. Australia and Sri Lanka in their group... they will really need their experienced players like Taylor and Cremer to step up. Best of luck to them!
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Rohit P
Solid squad. Muzarabani's return is a big boost for their bowling. But honestly, I'm a bit worried about their batting firepower against top teams. Bennett and Marumani are talented but untested at this level. Hope they prove me wrong!
S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, I'm just thrilled more World Cup matches are coming here! Zimbabwe always plays with heart. That match against Ireland could be crucial for them to qualify. Should be a great tournament.
K
Karthik V
Respect for sticking with a core group. Continuity is key for a team like Zimbabwe. Raza is a true leader. Hope they can cause an upset or two. The match on Feb 13th against Australia in Colombo will be a must-watch!
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Nisha Z
Good balanced team. But I have a small criticism - the squad feels a bit safe? Maybe could have included one more explosive young batter. Anyway, all the best to them. Cricket needs strong teams from all nations.

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