Zimbabwe. (Photo by Ishara S. KODIKARA / AFP) (Photo by ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)
Zimbabwe Cricket recently came forward to announce their squad for the upcoming five-game T20I series against Bangladesh. Touring Bangladesh, the series will begin on May 3, and both sides will aim to put in good performances and hopefully get a win.
The first three games of the series will be held in Chattogram, with the final two matches scheduled to be played in Dhaka. While Zimbabwe have failed to qualify for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, which is set to begin from June 2, the series could prove to be ideal preparation for Bangladesh for the marquee event.
It is interesting to note that Zimbabwe recalled the likes of Tadiwanashe Marumani and Faraz Akram for the series, whereas Sikandar Raza will continue leading the side. Furthermore, the son of former skipper Alistair Campbell, Johnathan Campbell, will be featuring for Zimbabwe in the five-game affair as well.
The remaining squad will be the same that travelled to Sri Lanka in January 2024, and with the absence of a head coach, former cricketer Stuart Matsikenyeri will be taking the helm of the side.
Clive Madande and Brian Bennett Java also retained their spots in the senior team and will feature. Taking on Bangladesh could prove to be a daunting task for the visitors. However, they will hope to find inspiration from their recent series against Sri Lanka.
Zimbabwe managed to win one clash against Sri Lanka to level the series; however, they lost the decider, ultimately losing the series as well. Nonetheless, Zimbabwe managed to put up a good fight against Sri Lanka, and they will aim to replicate their performances against Bangladesh as well.
Bangladesh’s latest T20I series came against Sri Lanka, where the side lost two out of the three matches, losing the series as well. Coming into the clash against Zimbabwe after a loss, Bangladesh seems to have several points to improve as well.
Squad: Sikandar Raza (C), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Johnathan Campbell, Craig Ervine, Joylord Gumbie, Luke Jongwe, Clive Madande, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Ainsley Ndlovu, Richard Ngarava, Sean Williams