Zimbabwe cricket has received a massive boost with the inclusion of veteran wicketkeeper-batter Brendan Taylor back in their T20I squad. Taylor hasn't played a T20I since April 2021 against Pakistan, and is now back nearly three years later after receiving a lengthy ban earlier this year.

Taylor is 38 years old and was suspended from all forms of the game back in 2022, as he did not report a corrupt approach in time. He has had his ban since August this year and gradually been reintegrated into to Zimbabwe unit, with him playing in a Bulawayo Test against New Zealand earlier this year and then taking part in an ODI series against Sri Lanka. Taylor is recalled in the T20I, where Zimbabwe is looking to bolster its squad prior to some important qualifying events.

Zimbabwe recall veterans for Sri Lanka T20I series

In addition to Taylor, another veteran, Sean Williams, also returns in T20I and last played a game in Zimbabwe's T20I against Algeria in May 2024, whereby he can also be expected to bring balance to the middle order. His comeback is also a timely inclusion as Zimbabwe prepares for the  Africa regional qualifiers later this month, where there are two spots for the T20 World Cup next year, 2026.

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Zimbabwe could not secure a berth at the T20 World Cup 2024 after losing matches to Namibia and Uganda in the regional qualifiers. With experienced players such as Taylor, Williams, and captain Sikandar Raza on board, this time they will be looking to ensure they do not repeat failure. 

Zimbabwe's T20I squad vs Sri Lanka:

Sikandar Raza (capt), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Brad Evans, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sean Williams.

It will be tough for Zimbabwe, as they face Sri Lanka, and of course, they have only faced the Sri Lankans six times previously in T20Is. Their last match-up was in January 2024, when they met for a three-match T20I series in which Sri Lanka won 2-1. With Taylor and Williams back in the fold, Zimbabwe supporters will be hopeful that they show more competitiveness this time around.

Zimbabwe's preparations for their eagerly awaited ODI return have suffered a significant blow, after the wicket-taking Oskers captain, Craig Ervine's, exit from the continuing Sri Lanka series. In the build-up to the first match in Harare, the experienced left-handed batsman had to bow out of the series after suffering an injury to the back of his calf.

Medical scans have indicated the full extent of the damage that was done, as it was established that the 40-year-old sustained a Grade II strain in the left calf, while the scans also showed a chronic and resolving Grade I strain in the right calf. With the scans ruling him out of competing in the ODI contest of 2 matches, the selectors will now have to turn to seasoned all-rounder Sean Williams to lead the team in the absence of the captain, Ervine.

Ervine's absence is a major loss for Zimbabwe, purely based on experience, and considering Ervine was in good form in his past few 50-over matches. His calmness at the top of the order and presence amongst younger players will be missed, and he finds the shaky home side up against a formidable Sri Lankan unit. Williams will have experience to draw upon for captaincy duties and will again be steadfast with a young team competing on Zimbabwe soil.

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Focus Shifts to T20I Series After ODIs

Adding further intrigue to the series is the highly anticipated return of Brendon Taylor, who has returned to international cricket close to four years since his last international appearance. A seasoned campaigner and a proven batsman, Taylor had previously played for Zimbabwe in September 2021 against Ireland, and his positive presence will provide vital experience and a protagonist in the middle order. Taylor's return has already sparked tremendous enthusiasm amongst fans who are excited to see him back in the national colors.

This ODI series will also be Zimbabwe's first limited-overs arrangement since their home Tests against South Africa and New Zealand, along with the T20I tri-series earlier this year. With a transitional squad moving between experienced players and new faces, Zimbabwe will use this series to build momentum before the T20I leg of the tour.

The first ODI is on today (29 August) at Harare Sports Club, and the second and final ODI is on 31 August, where he would wish to get some form back before all focus is on the three-match T20I series, where Zimbabwe will hope to challenge their captain's absence and give the tourists a good fight.

Former Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor is now set to make a return to ODI cricket, as the 39-year-old has been selected in Zimbabwe ODI squad for the upcoming home ODI series against Sri Lanka. 

Zimbabwe are ready to host a two-match ODI series and a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, starting on August 29. The T20I series will be crucial for both teams, as Zimbabwe are preparing for the 2025 Men's T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final, and Sri Lanka are preparing for the Asia Cup 2025. 

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Brendan Taylor making ODI comeback, last played in September 2021

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe are ready for their first ODI since last February, when they hosted Ireland and won that series 2-1. Captain Craig Ervine is ready to lead the Zimbabwe team, while Brendan Taylor has been selected for the ODI series. He is ready to make his ODI comeback after September 2021. In his ODI career, the right-handed batter has scored 6684 runs in 205 matches with an average of 35.55, including 11 centuries and 39 half-centuries. He is the second most ODI run-scorer for Zimbabwe, just 102 runs behind Andy Flower (6786 runs), but holds the record of most ODI and international centuries for his national team. 

Recently, Taylor made a comeback in international cricket after four years by completing his 3.5-year ban from the game after his spot-fixing involvement revelation. He featured in the second Test against New Zealand at home, where he scored 44 and seven runs, but the Chevrons lost by an innings and 359 runs. 

Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani are also returning to the Zimbabwe squad to make the bowling attack stronger. Zimbabwe are hoping for a much-needed luck change after their recent tough experiences against South Africa and New Zealand at home. 

Zimbabwe complete squad for ODI series against Sri Lanka

Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande, Ernest Masuku, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams.

Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025

ODI series

August 29: Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka at Harare

August 31: Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka at Harare

T20I series

September 3: Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka at Harare

September 6: Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka at Harare

September 7: Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka at Harare

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has confirmed that 44 of the 54 matches at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 will take place at eight venues in South Africa, while the other ten matches will be played in Zimbabwe and Namibia, who are co-hosts of the event. The confirmation came during the announcement of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) on Thursday, which included the selection of a former finance minister, Trevor Manuel, to chair a committee as an independent chairperson in the preparations for the global event. This will be the first ICC men's event in South Africa since the 2009 Champions Trophy and is the first time that the 50-over World Cup is played on African soil since 2003.

Shortlisted Locations in South Africa

The eight venues chosen by CSA blend traditional cricketing venues with iconic locations that have hosted historic matches:

• Johannesburg
• Pretoria
• Cape Town
• Durban
• Gqeberha
• Bloemfontein
• East London
• Paarl

A Historic Return of the World Cup to Africa

The 2027 edition marks 24 years since the last Men's ODI World Cup held in South Africa. The CSA chairperson, Pearl Maphoshe, said it was an opportunity to showcase the country's and the continent's diverse reality. 
"CSA's vision is to deliver a global, inspiring event which is a reflection of the face of South Africa - diverse, inclusive and united."

CSA president Rihan Richards said the tournament will also offer a once-in-a-million experience to expand the fans to reach new fans and deepen cricket's footprint across Africa.

"This makes the 2027 CWC a once-in-a-lifetime event to create a unique quad for expanding our global footprint, as well as engaging existing fans through digital innovation, while connecting with the African continent and the rest of the world."

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Local Organising Committee (LOC)

The LOC for the World Cup will consist of independent and non-independent directors, ministry representatives, and CSA representatives.

Independent Chair

• Trevor Manuel

CSA Members Council and Board Appointments

• Johannes Adams - President of Western Province
• Yunus Bobat - President of KwaZulu-Natal
• Vuyani Jarana - CSA Board Member

Ministry Appointments

• Advocate Philip October
• Unathi Matthew Tshotwana

Independent Directors

• Herman Bosman
• Nomfanelo Magwentshu
• Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
• Ravi Naidoo
• Dr Stavros Nicolaou
• Advocate Karrisha Pillay SC

CSA Staff

• Pholetsi Moseki – CSA CEO
• Refentse Shinners – CSA Public Affairs Executive
• Tjaart van der Walt – CSA COO

Past ICC Events in South Africa

South Africa has a great past hosting ICC events:

• 2003 Men's ODI World Cup (co-hosted with Zimbabwe and Kenya)
• 2007 inaugural Men's T20 World Cup
• 2009 Champions Trophy
• 2005 Women's ODI World Cup
• 2023 Women's T20 World Cup (where the Proteas made it to a final for the first time.)

The 2027 World Cup will take place with 44 matches across South Africa and 10 matches across Zimbabwe and Namibia, which should provide a truly pan-African cricketing celebration that's as diverse as the continent and as colourful.

Graeme Cremer, the ex-Zimbabwe captain and leggie, is back in the domestic cricket circuit in his country and is also available for international selection, seven years after his last game for Zimbabwe. The 38-year-old who captained Zimbabwe between 2016 and 2018 is now up for consideration for a place at the T20 World Cup Africa Regional Qualifier at home in September.

Cremer last represented Zimbabwe in March 2018, prior to leaving the sport to pursue golf and the conducive lifestyle of the UAE, after relocating there with his family, where his wife Merna works as a pilot. Despite his time away from Zimbabwe, Cremer remained close to cricket via coaching, including a stint at the Rajasthan Royals Academy in Dubai.

Back with a Bang in Domestic Cricket

The former international cricketer's return to the game has been nothing short of remarkable. Bacon currently plays for defending champions Takashinga Patriots 1 in the 45-over National Premier League in Zimbabwe, and after just two matches, he has risen to the top of the wicket-takers' leader board. Cremer's return started on August 3 against Queens Sports Club in Kwekwe, in familiar territory. He took 4 for 43 as Takashinga defended 263 for 6 to win comfortably by 134 runs.

“It’s amazing being back,” Cremer told 3-mob.com after the match. “Kwekwe was my home ground for many years, so it was great walking out and being part of Takashinga, which is such a prestigious club. They welcomed me into the team, and it was an amazing team environment.”

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Reuniting with Brendan Taylor

That match also saw Cremer reunited with close friend and former teammate Brendan Taylor, who scored 61 as he fine-tuned his own comeback after serving a three-and-a-half-year ban for breaching the ICC’s anti-corruption code.

“We are close friends, myself and Brendan, so it was an amazing feeling being on the field with him again,” Cremer said. “Just how we communicate because we have played so much cricket together, it really helps.”

Zimbabwe’s Eyes on Major Tournaments

Zimbabwe Cricket’s announcement of the return of two of their most experienced players comes with serious ambition. The Africa Regional Qualifier will take place from September 26 to October 4, with the participation of eight teams, with the top two teams qualifying for the T20 World Cup. 

Beyond that, Zimbabwe wants to qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup, as well as the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Namibia. The team missed out on the previous global matches, including the most recent T20 World Cup, after a poor loss against Uganda, and have not appeared in a 50-over World Cup since 2015. 

With 23 Test matches and 69 limited-overs internationals under his belt, Cremer's experience and wicket-taking ability could inspire the rest of the side and push Zimbabwe into the major competitions again.

New Zealand put up a strong total of 180 runs in the final of the T20I Tri-series in Harare, with Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra playing key innings. Even though South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi bowled very well and bowled tightly, the Kiwis still found a way to score big.

Conway and Rachin Lead the Way as New Zealand Score 180 Despite Ngidi’s Tight Bowling

After being asked to bat first, New Zealand got a great start. Tim Seifert and Devon Conway looked in good touch and added 75 runs for the first wicket. Seifert scored 30 before getting out, but Conway continued to bat nicely and made 47 runs before he was dismissed.

MATT HENRY, THE HERO OF NEW ZEALAND IN TRI-SERIES FINAL..!!!

- He defended 7 runs in the final over. 0,W,2,1,W,0 against South African finishers. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/neMHm3EfFu

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 26, 2025

Rachin Ravindra joined Conway and played a stylish knock. He also scored 47, hitting two sixes and four boundaries. Even though South Africa tried to pull things back with Ngidi’s smart bowling, New Zealand’s lower order added useful runs towards the end.

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Thanks to Conway and Rachin’s solid efforts, along with a few handy hits down the order, New Zealand finished their 20 overs with 180 on the board. Ngidi was the best bowler for South Africa, giving away very few runs and keeping the batters under pressure.

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has announced the 16-member men's squad for the upcoming two-match home Test series against New Zealand. The Chevrons have big names return to the Test squad, while Brendan Taylor's international cricket return has an interesting story. 

After the end of the ongoing T20I tri-series between Zimbabwe, South Africa, and New Zealand, where New Zealand and South Africa will face each other in the Final on this Saturday (July 26) after the last two league stage games, Zimbabwe and New Zealand will play a two-match Test series. Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo will host both the Tests, starting on July 30 and August 7. Both Tests will be the traditional five-day Test matches. It will be their first Test meeting since 2016, when the visitors won the two-match Test series in Zimbabwe by 2-0. As Zimbabwe aren't part of the ICC World Test Championship, the forthcoming Test series will not be a part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship. 

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Ben Curran and Sikandar Raza return to Test cricket

Craig Ervine will continue his Test leadership role, while Ben Curran and Sikandar Raza have returned to the Test squad. Ben Curran missed out on the recently concluded home Test series against South Africa due to a fractured hand, which he suffered during a warm-up game against South Africa. Meanwhile, Sikandar Raza has returned to the Test squad after missing the home Test series against South Africa due to MLC 2025 commitment. Also, Roy Kaia and Tanunurwa Makoni have returned to Test cricket, having played three and two Test matches, respectively. 

In the meantime, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Prince Masvaure, Wessly Madhevere, and Kundai Matigimu, who were present during the recently concluded home Test series against South Africa, have been left out of the squad for the upcoming home Test series. 

Zimbabwe complete squad for the two-match home Test series against New Zealand

Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Roy Kaia, Tanunurwa Makoni, Clive Madande, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams

Brendan Taylor likely to return to international cricket

On the other hand, the 39-year-old Bendan Taylor hasn't been named in the Test squad for the upcoming home series against New Zealand. His three-and-a-half-year ban for breaching the ICC anti-corruption code will end this Friday, July 25. According to ESPNcricinfo's report, Taylor is likely to make his international cricket comeback in the upcoming first Test against New Zealand, as he is likely to be added once his ban expires officially. 

The qualification pathway for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup takes a major step forward as Zimbabwe gets ready to host the Africa Regional Final from 19 September to 4 October 2025. Eight of the continent’s top teams will compete in Harare for two prized spots at next year’s T20 World Cup, joining South Africa, who have already qualified as one of the top eight finishers from the 2024 edition.

This tournament represents the last part of the African qualification process, after three testing sub-regional qualifications, and automatic qualifications for Namibia and Uganda for the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup.

Qualified Teams

• Namibia (from the 2024 T20 World Cup)
  
• Uganda (from the 2024 T20 World Cup)
  
• Malawi and Tanzania (from Africa Qualifier A)
  
• Kenya and Zimbabwe (from Africa Qualifier B)
  
• Botswana and Nigeria (from Africa Qualifier C)
  

Tournament Format

The eight teams have been split into two groups of four, with each team playing three group-stage matches. The top two from each group will progress to the semi-finals, and the winners of those will qualify directly for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

All matches will be hosted at two venues in Harare: the Harare Sports Club and Takashinga Cricket Club.

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Complete Fixtures – 2025 Africa Regional Final

Group Stage Matches

Group A: Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Malawi

• 26 Sept: Kenya vs Namibia – Harare Sports Club
  
• 26 Sept: Malawi vs Nigeria – Takashinga Cricket Club
  
• 28 Sept: Namibia vs Nigeria – Harare Sports Club
  
• 28 Sept: Kenya vs Malawi – Takashinga Cricket Club
  
• 30 Sept: Namibia vs Malawi – Harare Sports Club
  
• 30 Sept: Kenya vs Nigeria – Takashinga Cricket Club
  

Group B: Botswana, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe

• 26 Sept: Zimbabwe vs Uganda – Harare Sports Club
  
• 26 Sept: Botswana vs Tanzania – Takashinga Cricket Club
  
• 28 Sept: Tanzania vs Uganda – Takashinga Cricket Club
  
• 28 Sept: Zimbabwe vs Botswana – Harare Sports Club
  
• 30 Sept: Zimbabwe vs Tanzania – Harare Sports Club
  
• 30 Sept: Botswana vs Uganda – Takashinga Cricket Club
  

Play-offs & Knockouts

2 October – Semi-finals

• SF1: Group A 1st vs Group B 2nd – Harare Sports Club
  
• SF2: Group B 1st vs Group A 2nd – Harare Sports Club
  

2 October – 5th Place Semi-finals

• 5th SF1: Group A 3rd vs Group B 4th – Takashinga Cricket Club
  
• 5th SF2: Group B 3rd vs Group A 4th – Takashinga Cricket Club
  

Finals – 4 October 2025

• 7th Place Play-off: Loser of 5th SF1 vs Loser of 5th SF2 – Takashinga Cricket Club
  
• 5th Place Play-off: Winner of 5th SF1 vs Winner of 5th SF2 – Takashinga Cricket Club
  
• 3rd Place Play-off: Loser of SF1 vs Loser of SF2 – Harare Sports Club
  
• Final: Winner of SF1 vs Winner of SF2 – Harare Sports Club
  

What’s at Stake

The two finalists will qualify directly for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, joining South Africa to represent the African continent. With competitive squads and balanced groups, the tournament promises high-stakes action as teams chase a dream World Cup ticket.

The African Regional Final is more than just a qualifying event; it’s a platform for emerging teams like Nigeria, Botswana, and Malawi to show their progress and for established sides like Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Uganda to reaffirm their regional dominance.

The 4th match of the T20I Tri-Nation series will be held tomorrow (July 20, 2025) at Harare Sports Club ground. The Zimbabwe vs. South Africa (ZIM vs SA) match is going to be crucial for both of the sides. Zimbabwe will try to win the match by any means, and South Africa will look to bounce back after a heavy defeat against New Zealand.

The initial stage of the Tri-Nation series is framed with a round robin format, where every team has to face the other two teams twice. Tomorrow's match between Zimbabwe and South Africa will mark the second leg of the tournament, where SA won comfortably in their previous encounter with ZIM. On July 14, in the tournament opener match, South Africa won against the host team by 5 wickets. But in their next assignment, South Africa, led by Rassie van der Dussen, had to taste the worst against New Zealand and Zimbabwe, yet to win a match in the series.

Despite the loss against SA, there were some positive points for the home team. Skipper Sikandar Raza and opener Brian Bennett were promising with their batting work. Pacer Richard Ngarava plucked 3 wickets, and a brace for Trevor Gwandu came with some positivity for Zimbabwe in the first match of the tournament. 

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ZIM vs SA T20I Tri-Nation, Match 4 details:

ZIM vs SA T20I Tri-Nation, Match 4 Live Streaming: The match will be streamed live on the FanCode app and website in India.

MATCH: Match 4

VENUE: Harare Sports Club, Harare

DATE & TIME: Sunday, 20th July, 16:30

SERIES: T20I Tri-Series in Zimbabwe, 2025

The Squads

Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Wessly Madhevere, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Clive Madande (wk), Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Tinotenda Maposa, Newman Nyamhuri, and Vincent Masekesa.

South Africa: Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen (c), Dewald Brevis, George Linde, Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Nandre Burger, Nqabayomzi Peter, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Simelane, Rubin Hermann, Kwena Maphaka.

After a commanding win against South Africa, New Zealand is now ready to take on Zimbabwe, the host of the ongoing T20I Tri-Nation series. After playing 6 T20 international matches against Zimbabwe, New Zealand is the clear favorite to win today's (July 18, 2025) encounter. Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy were the two star performers for the Blackcaps by clinching 3 wickets each. Against ZIM, they will try to do the same. 

Zimbabwe lost their opening fixture against South Africa earlier this week by five wickets. Against a well-balanced SA XI, the Sikandar Raza-led side struggled to push their run rates high. As a result, batting first, Zimbabwe scored only 141 in 20 overs. South Africa, without any such serious trouble, conquered the target. In today's match, Zimbabwe will try to perform a lot better with their bat. 

The batting side of NZ also looked in great shape against South Africa. 75-run innings from Tim Robinson and Bevon Jacobs' unbeaten 44 on debut came as a huge relief for NZ, led by Mitchell Santner. But batting on a Harare Sports Club pitch may not be so easy. The new ball can gain some movements in the initial overs, and then, the spinners can join the party. 

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Zimbabwe vs. New Zealand T20I Tri-Nation match details:

MATCH: Match 3

VENUE: Harare Sports Club, Harare

DATE & TIME: Friday, 18th July, 16:30

SERIES: T20I Tri-Series in Zimbabwe, 2025

Predicted Playing XIs

Zimbabwe (ZIM):

Brian Bennett, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande (WK), Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tony Munyonga, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, and Trevor Gwandu.

New Zealand (NZ):

Tim Seifert (WK), Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay, James Neesham, Bevon Jacobs, Mitchell Santner (C), Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, and Jacob Duffy.