Zimbabwe announce squads for white-ball series against Pakistan

Zimbabwe have announced their squads for the upcoming ODI and T20I series against Pakistan on Monday, November 18. The Men in Green are set to tour the African nation to play three ODIs and as many T20Is over the next few weeks.

Three uncapped players - Trevor Gwandu, Tashinga Musekiwa, and Tinotenda Maposa - were named in the 15-member ODI side. The white-ball tour begins with the first ODI, which will be played at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on November 24.

Experienced top-order batter Craig Ervine is going to lead the side in the 50-over matches. The team comprises several senior cricketers, including all-rounders Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams, and pacers Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava.

"The series against Pakistan is an important platform for Zimbabwe, and we believe the ODI squad we have selected is well-rounded," David Mutendera, Zimbabwe's Convener of Selectors, was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

"The presence of seasoned players like Craig, Sikandar and Sean provides stability, while young players like Clive Madande, Brian Bennett, Dion Myers and the uncapped trio bring energy and the potential for game-changing moments," he added.

Zimbabwe ODI Squad: Craig Ervine (captain), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Joylord Gumbie, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brandon Mavuta, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams.

Sikandar Raza to lead young T20I side

Raza will be leading the side in the three-match T20I series, which will begin after the completion of the ODI leg. There are several young players in the side as the selectors decided to look past the likes of Ervine, Williams, and Joylord Gumbie.

Mutendera asserted that the selectors wanted to persist with the youngsters who performed well during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa sub-regional qualifier tournament.

"We felt it was essential to maintain the same T20I squad that excelled in Kenya. This continuity allows the team to build on the cohesion and confidence that drove their outstanding performance," Mutendera said.

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"Facing a high-calibre side like Pakistan is a tremendous opportunity for us to gauge our progress and showcase Zimbabwe's potential on the international stage. We are confident that both our ODI and T20I squads will be competitive," he added.

Zimbabwe T20I Squad: Sikandar Raza (captain), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava