Zimbabwe’s T20I team has undergone major changes in preparation for their forthcoming home series against Ireland. Zimbabwe’s selectors have dropped four players from the previous team because their poor performance in the qualifiers prevented them from qualifying for the T20 World Cup. Tendai Chatara, a pacer, Wellington Mazakadza, a spinner, and Nick Welch, an opener, are the ones dropped. Leg spinners Tony Munyonga and Brandon Mavuta have been called up, while the squad has added two new players: twenty-year-old fast bowler Trevor Gwandu and twenty-year-old hitter Brian Bennett, who showed promise in List A cricket for the Mountaineers.
The return of veteran Craig Ervine, who missed a large portion of the qualifiers because of a groin injury, strengthens the team and keeps Sikandar Raza in his position as captain. December 7 is when the three-match series is planned to start at the Harare Sports Club. The games that follow are scheduled to take place there on December 9 and 10.
Squad: Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Sean Williams, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brandon Mavuta, Carl Mumba, Tony Munyonga, Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Craig Ervine, Trevor Gwandu, Luke Jongwe, and Sikandar Raza (captain).
Zimbabwe has a history of being excluded from ICC competitions.
A recurring problem has been Zimbabwe’s recent troubles in World Cup qualifying. They have experienced disappointment in past ODI World Cups, having failed to qualify for the 2019 and 2023 tournaments on home soil by finishing outside the top two. Additionally, Zimbabwe Cricket’s suspension by the ICC for government meddling in cricket administration at the time prevented them from competing in the 2021 T20 World Cup.
Zimbabwe finished in last place at the 2022 T20 World Cup, even though they advanced past the first round. In the second round, the team won just one of their five games. Due to this result, they were also unable to advance to the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, which is scheduled for June in the USA and the West Indies. In addition, they were not allowed to play in the 2025 Champions Trophy due to their inability to qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup.