Preview: Zimbabwe's chance for T20 revival in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier B

ASHLEY DUBE

HARARE – The Chevrons are gearing up to play the ICC Men's T20 Sub Regional Africa Qualifier B, starting on October 19th. This tournament is widely seen as a reflection of the men's national cricket team's poor performance over the past five years, with their last appearance in a major international tournament being the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.

Zimbabwe ICC MEN'S T20 WORLD CUP Sub Regional Africa Qualifier B

Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe's T20I captain

Zimbabwe, a full member nation, was absent from the 2024 T20 World Cup, a tournament with 20 participating countries after losing to Uganda and Namibia in the regional qualifiers. This setback cost Dave Houghton his job as head coach, leading to significant changes within Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC).

This failure also resulted in the Chevrons being relegated to the sub-regional qualifiers. Zimbabwe must finish in the top two to join Namibia and Uganda (who received a bye after participating in the 2024 T20 World Cup) along with the top two from sub-regional qualifier A in the African regional qualifiers.

The Chevrons haven't fully recovered from their recent form slump, suffering T20I series losses to Ireland, Bangladesh, and India. They also fell to a defeat in the lone test match against Ireland in Belfast. They have won 4 matches in 19.

However, they are expected to dominate the upcoming qualifier in Kenya, which includes the hosts, Gambia, Mozambique, Seychelles, and Rwanda.

The selectors have chosen a strong squad led by captain and global superstar Sikandar Raza.

Excitement surrounds talented players like Brian Bennett and Dion Myers, while the deadly pace bowling duo of Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava are expected to spearhead the attack.

Two uncapped players, Tinotenda Maposa and Tashinga Musekiwa, have earned their call-ups.

Zimbabwe will open the tournament against Seychelles on October 19th, who are ranked 78 places below the Chevrons.

Zimbabwe's 15-man squad:

Coach - Justin Sammons

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