Going into this T20I Tri Series, the home side in Zimbabwe will be participating with hopes of trying to knock out some bigger squads. Having four matches on their current schedule, they will have a challenge of facing two top cricket-playing nations in South Africa and New Zealand, en route to potentially making these finals.
Despite having heavily struggled in their recent test series and failing to qualify for the 2024 T20 WC, Zimbabwe has created some amazing shockers in big tournaments like beating Pakistan in the 2022 T20 WC and Australia in 2007. Trying to use that prior experience and being captained by a veteran pro like Sikandar Raza, there is a chance for this group to get on the right side if they remain stable throughout.
Bowling Attack Provides A Real Strength
One of the most underrated aspects of this squad is their pace attack led by Blessing Muzarabani, who was the first Zimbabwe player to get selected for IPL since Sikandar Raza two years back. Someone who has taken 78 wickets in 70 T20I matches, his economy hasn’t been bad either at 7.02. Although, they believe Tanaka Chivanga won’t play, Richard Ngarva will remain a dominant force with his quick action, which helped him pick up 80 wickets during 69 games and be strong in the powerplay like Muzarabani.
All-Rounders Could Pose Some Opportunities To Turn Games Around
Since Sikandar Raza will once again lead the all-rounders for this Zimbabwe group, he really has a chance to create some massive performances after seeing him never shy away from a big moment. Having scored over 2000 T20I runs and taken 81 wickets, his abilities provide an opportunity for others like Ryan Burl to make an impact. Known as another game-changer, Burl is someone who potentially could hit 25 or more runs and keep economies low every match, as he has only allowed 6.87 runs per over in T20Is.
No Clear Set Batsmen Will Be A Weakness
Although Zimbabwe will get a massive push in batting from their all-rounders, their top order is a massive issue since they have never tended to be consistent. With Brian Bennett being one of the openers, he has only been a solid threat in ODI’s and Test matches, while averaging less than 25 runs per match during T20Is. That’s a massive problem because his opening partner in Dion Myers, averages fewer than 22 runs per match and has only hit 2 half-centuries in over 23 innings. Seeing that they also have to rely on all-rounder Wessly Madhevere at 1-down, he’s someone who’s managed to score only 1206 runs in 76 innings.
Providing Sufficient Runs Might End Up As One Major Threat
Although the number of players in this lineup who can bat is pretty deep, only Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl are ones opposing bowlers fear since they can bat pretty long plus consistently. Seeing that other top-order batsmen like Brian Bennett and Dion Myers have trouble getting set, players who come in later, like Wellington Masakadza, who averaged 9 runs an innings, have struggled. With Tafadzwa Tsiga making his debut at wicket-keeper, the inexperience could add to them scoring fewer runs against much more dangerous bowling and batting units like New Zealand or South Africa.
Zimbabwe squad for tri-series: Sikandar Raza (capt), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Tafadzwa Tsiga
Also Read: ND vs ZIM: Sikandar Raza Unhappy With Team’s Performance