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Zimbabwe's T20 WC Blow: Brendan Taylor Ruled Out with Injury

Zimbabwe has suffered a significant setback as experienced wicketkeeper-batter Brendan Taylor is ruled out of the entire T20 World Cup 2026 due to a hamstring injury. Captain Sikandar Raza confirmed the news, stating Taylor picked up the injury during his innings against Oman. Taylor, a veteran of the inaugural 2007 tournament, was in good form and his absence is a major blow to the squad. Tony Munyonga comes into the team as his replacement for the crucial match against Australia.

Key Points: Brendan Taylor Ruled Out of T20 World Cup Due to Injury

  • Taylor injured his hamstring while batting
  • He was in form with a key 31 vs Oman
  • Tony Munyonga replaces him as wicketkeeper
  • Zimbabwe eye first T20 WC trophy after 2024 absence
2 min read

T20 WC: 'Brendan Taylor is ruled out of the competition,' says Sikandar Raza

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza confirms Brendan Taylor is out of the T20 World Cup 2026 with a hamstring injury. Tony Munyonga replaces him.

T20 WC: 'Brendan Taylor is ruled out of the competition,' says Sikandar Raza
"Brendan Taylor picked up an injury, and he's been ruled out of the competition. - Sikandar Raza"

Colombo, Feb 13

Zimbabwe have been dealt a major blow ahead of their second match of the T20 World Cup 2026 against Australia at the R. Premadasa Stadium, with captain Sikandar Raza confirming that wicketkeeper-batter Brendan Taylor has been ruled out of the entire tournament due to injury.

Speaking after losing the toss, Raza informed about the change in the team due to injury. He said, "Brendan Taylor picked up an injury, and he's been ruled out of the competition." Tony Munyonga is back in the team in place of Taylor and will do the wicketkeeping in the match.

Taylor was in good form and played an amazing innings against Oman, which helped the team register an easy win. He came in at a time when Zimbabwe had lost back-to-back wickets, and the experienced batter then forged a 68-run partnership with Brian Bennett to take the team close to victory.

However, he picked up a hamstring while batting and got retired hurt after scoring 31 runs in the match. He was seen limping as he made his way to the pavilion.

Taylor is the most experienced player in Zimbabwe's squad and was also part of the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. He has played 59 T20Is for the team and has scored 1,216 runs in his 20-year-long career so far. Taylor has also scored a century and six half-centuries in the format.

He has been delivering consistent performances since his return to the side after a four-year gap in 2025. He played 13 matches last year and scored 251 runs for the team, which included his maiden T20I century.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe are back in the T20 World Cup fold after missing the last edition played in 2024. They qualified after winning all their matches in the African qualifiers, and Sikandar Raza's team will be eyeing their first trophy in the tournament.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Such a shame. He's been playing since 2007! That's incredible longevity. Hamstring injuries are tricky. At his age, recovery might be slow. End of an era for Zimbabwe cricket?
A
Ananya R
Yaar, this is so sad! He just made a comeback last year and scored a century. Cricket can be so cruel. Wishing him a speedy recovery. Now the pressure is on Raza and the youngsters.
V
Vikram M
Respect for Taylor's career, but this highlights a problem. Why wasn't there a proper backup keeper-batsman ready? Team management needs to plan better for these scenarios. Still, all the best against Aus!
K
Karthik V
Tough luck. They qualified so well, winning all matches in Africa. Now this. Playing Australia without your most experienced player is a huge task. Hope they put up a fight at least.
P
Priya S
Feel so bad for him! He was limping off the field 😔. Hope the medical team takes good care. Injuries are part of sport, but timing is everything. Come back stronger, Brendan!

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