Zimbabwe T20I squad for Sri Lanka series officially announced; Brendan Taylor and Sean Williams return

Zimbabwe Cricket has announced a 16-player squad for their three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, set to begin on Wednesday, September 3, at Harare Sports Club. Veteran all-rounder Sean Williams, who last played a T20I against Bangladesh on 12 May 2024, has been recalled for the upcoming home series.

Following a poor showing in the ODI series, Zimbabwe will aim to bounce back in the T20Is. The Sikandar Raza-led team wants to capitalize on home advantage and improve their batting and bowling performances to claim a win. Sri Lanka enter the T20I leg with momentum, having swept the ODI series 2-0.

Zimbabwe Announce Squad for T20I Series Against Sri Lanka

Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Brendan Taylor, who recently made a comeback in ODIs and Tests, has returned to Zimbabwe’s T20I squad after a long hiatus from the format. The team has also added Brad Evans and Tadiwanashe Marumani for the upcoming series.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

Meanwhile, several players from the previous triangular series, including Newman Nyamhuri, Wessly Madhevere, Vincent Masekesa, and Tafadzwa Tsiga, have been left out of the squad.

This T20I series serves as a vital stage for Zimbabwe to finalize a core group of players ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier, scheduled later this month in Harare.

Zimbabwe Squad for T20I Series Against Sri Lanka:

Sikandar Raza (Captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Brad Evans, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams

Zimbabwe Seek Redemption in T20Is After 2-0 ODI Defeat

Zimbabwe head into the T20I series following a 2-0 loss in the ODIs. They narrowly lost the first match by seven runs, while the second game was dominated by Pathum Nissanka’s performance, giving Sri Lanka a convincing win.

The Chevrons also have a poor record against Sri Lanka in T20Is. Sri Lanka have won four of the last five encounters, with Zimbabwe’s sole victory coming at home in 2024, their first-ever T20I win over the Lankans.

Overall, the head-to-head heavily favors Sri Lanka, presenting a challenging task for Zimbabwe if they hope to start the upcoming series on a positive note.

Ben Curran and Sikandar Raza Provide Bright Spots for Zimbabwe Despite ODI Series Loss

Zimbabwe opener Ben Curran scored 79 runs, marking his third consecutive fifty-plus score, after being asked to bat first. Sikandar Raza contributed an unbeaten 59, helping the home side post 277/7. Dushmantha Chameera was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka, taking three wickets for 52 runs.

In response, Pathum Nissanka made 122 off 136 balls, including 16 boundaries, while Charith Asalanka added 71. Their crucial partnership left Zimbabwe with little chance, and Sri Lanka comfortably chased the target with a few deliveries to spare.

For Zimbabwe, Curran and Raza’s batting provided some positives despite the loss. Nissanka was named Player of the Series after scoring a century and a half-century in consecutive matches.

Also read: Kumar Sangakkara replaces Rahul Dravid at RR, decides Sanju Samson’s future in one stroke