Zimbabwe has announced the inclusion of uncapped all-rounder Tashinga Musekiwa and fast bowler Tinotenda Maposa for the T20 World Cup regional qualifiers in Kenya this month. The tournament aims to secure a place for the main event in 2026. The 15-man squad also features the return of fast bowler Trevor Gwandu and includes 11 players from the series against India in July.
Under the leadership of new head coach Justin Sammons, Zimbabwe will field a youthful squad with an average age of 26. Experienced player Sikandar Raza will captain the team. The qualifiers feature Gambia, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, and Seychelles. The top two teams will advance to the regional final with Namibia and Uganda.
Musekiwa, 24, has played 21 T20 matches, along with one first-class game and 29 one-dayers for Mid West Rhinos. His T20 best is an unbeaten 38, and his top bowling figures are 3 for 24, contributing to a total of 10 wickets. He recently scored an unbeaten 51 for Zimbabwe Emerging against South Africa Emerging.
Maposa, 21, has participated in five first-class matches, taking 14 wickets, but has yet to play white-ball cricket. His last outing was in the Logan Cup, where he claimed 12 wickets across four red-ball games, including one five-wicket haul.
David Mutendera, the convener of selectors, expressed confidence in the young squad’s ability to qualify, emphasizing the importance of preparing for the future with a focus on the 2026 T20 World Cup. Gwandu returns to the team after last playing for Zimbabwe in December 2023 against Ireland. He performed well in the domestic T20 competition and contributed to Zimbabwe Emerging’s success in the African Games in Accra, Ghana.
Zimbabwe 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
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