Zimbabwe ended a long wait for a dominant Test victory as they thrashed Afghanistan by an innings and 73 runs in the one-off Test at Harare Sports Club. This was Zimbabwe’s first home Test win since 2013, their first innings victory since 2001, and the biggest margin of victory for the nation in 24 years.

After dismissing Afghanistan for just 127 in their first innings, Zimbabwe posted a commanding 359, led by a patient and composed 121 from Ben Curran. Sikandar Raza’s 65 and contributions from Nick Welch (49), Brendan Taylor (32), and Brad Evans (35*) ensured the hosts built an unassailable lead. Curran’s maiden Test century earned him the Player of the Match award.

Afghanistan’s second innings offered initial promise as Ibrahim Zadran reached 42, but Zimbabwe’s bowlers quickly regained control. Richard Ngarava was the star, taking a brilliant 5/37 to decimate the Afghan batting lineup. His relentless movement and precise length made scoring difficult, while Tanaka Chivanga (2/40) and Blessing Muzarabani (3/48) provided crucial support. Afghanistan collapsed from 43/2 to 159 all out, handing Zimbabwe a comprehensive win.

Evans and Muzarabani shine with the ball as Zimbabwe end 12-year home Test drought

Brad Evans had earlier starred with the ball, taking 5/22 in Afghanistan’s first innings, while Muzarabani contributed 3/47. The Zimbabwean bowling unit dominated throughout, exploiting the conditions and the inexperienced Afghan lineup with disciplined lines and consistent pressure.

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Captain Craig Ervine praised his team’s performance after the match. “I’m ecstatic. The boys fought hard and showed great composure throughout the Test,” he said. “Ben Curran’s innings was outstanding, and our bowlers stepped up at crucial moments. This win is a testament to the hard work and learning over the last six to seven months.”

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, admitting that their batting collapse on Day 1 cost them the game. “We started well but kept losing back-to-back wickets. Experience in Test cricket is key, and we lacked it today,” Shahidi said. This victory marks Zimbabwe’s fourth Test win since 2018 and sets up an exciting three-match T20I series against Afghanistan starting October 29.

Brief Scores:
Afghanistan 1st Innings – 127 (Evans 5/22, Muzarabani 3/47)
Zimbabwe 1st Innings – 359 (Curran 121, Raza 65)
Afghanistan 2nd Innings – 159 (Ngarava 5/37, Muzarabani 3/48)
Result: Zimbabwe won by an innings and 73 runs

Zimbabwe men's national cricket team have qualified for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which India and Sri Lanka will host between February and March 2026. After missing out on the previous edition in 2024 in West Indies and USA, the Chevrons are ready to return to the tournament, as they became the 17th team to qualify for the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup, where 20 teams will participate. 

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026: Zimbabwe qualify after beating Kenya in Semi-final of Regional Qualifier

After Namibia have qualified for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 on Thursday (October 2) by winning the first Semi-final of the Africa Regional Final Qualifier against Tanzania, the hosts Zimbabwe faced Kenya in the second Semi-final on the same day at Harare. Kenya scored 122/6 in 20 overs after choosing to bat first, while the Chevrons comfortably chased down the target in 15 overs after losing only three wickets. While Namibia and Zimbabwe will face off in the Final on Saturday (October 4), they have already secured their spots for the next T20 World Cup. Both Namibia and Zimbabwe are unbeaten in the tournament. 

Experienced Kanyan cricketer Rakep Patel scored fighting 65 runs off 47 balls with eight fours and one six, but he hardly got any help from the other end, as no other Kenyan batters managed to reach the 20-run mark. The second-highest scorer was the no.6 batter Sachin Gill, who scored 19 runs before getting run out on the penultimate ball of the innings. 

Among the Zimbabwe bowlers, Blessing Muzarabani picked up two wickets, as he had the bowling figures of 4-0-19-2. 

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Brian Bennett won Player of the Match award for match-winning half-century

In reply, Zimbabwe openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani produced a 76-run opening partnership, as the hosts had no hard task chasing the target. While Marumani scored 39 off 27 balls with five fours, Bennett scored 51 off 25 balls with eight fours and two sixes.

In the group stage of the tournament, Zimbabwe beat Tanzania, Uganda, and Botswana to qualify for the Semi-finals as the Group B champions with six points after three matches. 

Namibia and Zimbabwe have secured their places at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after reaching the final of the Africa Regional Qualifier in Harare on Thursday. Both teams booked tickets for the tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February-March 2026.

Namibia Cruises to Fourth Consecutive T20WC

Namibia defeated Tanzania by 63 runs in a thrilling semi-final. The Eagles were struggling at 41/4 in the fifth over but recovered through a match-turning partnership of 88 runs in 7.4 overs between Gerhard Erasmus and JJ Smit.

Erasmus’ calm innings and Smit’s aggressive counter-attack helped Namibia post 174/6. Their bowlers then restricted Tanzania to 111/8, securing a comfortable win. This victory marks Namibia’s fourth consecutive T20 World Cup qualification, following appearances in 2021, 2022, and 2024.

Zimbabwe Returns to the Big Stage

Hosts Zimbabwe, absent from the 2024 edition, bounced back emphatically by defeating Kenya by seven wickets. Kenya set a modest target of 123, largely thanks to Rakep Patel’s 65 (47). Zimbabwe chased it down in 15 overs, with opener Brian Bennett hitting a blistering 51 off 25 balls.

The Zimbabwean bowlers had earlier restricted Kenya to 122/6, paving the way for a smooth chase. With this win, Zimbabwe became the 17th team to qualify for T20 World Cup 2026.

Upcoming Africa Final

Namibia and Zimbabwe will face off in the Africa Regional Final on October 4, but both sides have already secured their World Cup spots.

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Full List of Teams Qualified for T20 World Cup 2026

 Only three spots remain, which will be decided via the Asia-EAP Qualifier next year.

Zimbabwe Set to Host Afghanistan

In other news, Zimbabwe will host Afghanistan for a one-off Test and three T20Is in October-November.

Zimbabwe’s managing director Givemore Makoni highlighted that matches against Afghanistan are “keenly contested and entertaining,” promising exciting cricket for fans. 

Namibia and Zimbabwe are now back on the T20 World Cup stage, ready to challenge the world’s best next February in India and Sri Lanka.

Zimbabwe created a new record in their T20I history against Sri Lanka, scoring their highest-ever total against the island nation. Zimbabwe topped their previous best against Sri Lanka of 175/7, also made in Harare, on September 7, 2025, when they reached 191/8 in their full 20 overs in the series-deciding match at the Harare Sports Club. Despite this new record for Zimbabwe, it was Sri Lankans who ultimately came away with the series, easily chasing down the target to claim a 2-1 series victory.

After losing the toss, Zimbabwe batted first and, from the outset, adopted an aggressive strategy. Young opening batsman Tadiwanashe Marumani had a key role by scoring an excellent tempo of 51 and occupying the innings at the top. Contributions were made from battles with Sean Williams (23) and all-rounder Sikandar Raza (28), providing stability enough to ensure that Zimbabwe posted above the 190-run mark against Sri Lanka for the first time in T20Is. It was a competitive total of 191/8 on a pitch that had some assistance for the batters.

Sri Lanka’s dominant chase denies Zimbabwe despite record T20I total.

The Sri Lankan batting response was a contrasting story. It did not take long for the Sri Lankan visitors to chase down the target of  192 running comfortably in the end to win by 8 wickets with 14 balls to spare. The clinical batting of the Sri Lankan batsmen in the final match of the series demonstrated their dominance in the third and final game and clearly demonstrated the chasm in finishing power between the two countries. With the victory, Sri Lanka prevailed in the series contest 2-1 while demonstrating their ability to chase down totals under pressure.

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For Zimbabwe, this result was mixed. On the one hand, they acknowledged themselves out with an unfinished total against a major opponent, highlighting progress and intent to engage. On the other hand, for a team that had turned a record score into a lost cause was given stating weaknesses in their bowling were stated, which could not sustain pressure in the chase, also signifying an indictment in the series context: Zimbabwe were denied the chance to win a T20I series against a Full Member.

Nevertheless, Zimbabwe's batters, particularly in respect to Marumani and Raza, gave their supporters something to enjoy, as their young players stepped up Some senior players were also noteworthy, and everyone involved in international cricket should take positives as they continue to prepare for international challenges.

And whilst the historical effort did not conclude in victory, it did reinforce that Zimbabwe were increasingly demonstrating that they could challenge the better sides in T20 cricket... And this is unequivocally positive for the future of the team.

On Saturday (September 6), Zimbabwe stunned Sri Lanka in the second T20I by bundling the visitors out for only 80 runs and won the match by five wickets to level the home T20I series before the last game of the three-match T20I series.

Trailing the series by 1-0, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza chose to field first after winning the toss at Harare. While the Chevrons bundled out the Lankans for only 80 runs, the hosts completed the chase in 14.2 overs despite losing five wickets. It was Zimbabwe's second T20I victory against Sri Lanka but first at home, while their first T20I win against the Lankans were recorded in January 2024 at Colombo (RPS), where the visitors won by four wickets with one ball remaining. 

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Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2025, 2nd T20I: Sikandar Raza and Brad Evans dominated with the ball

In the Lankan innings in the second T20I, only three batters managed to reach double-digit scores. While the no.3 batter Kamil Mishara scored a run-a-ball 20 runs, skipper Charith Asalanka scored 18 runs after coming to bat at no.5. Dasun Shanaka was the only other double-digit scorer in that innings as the no.7 batter scored 15 runs. 

Among the Zimbabwe bowlers, fast bowler Brad Evans (3/15) and spinner Sikandar Raza (3/11) picked up three wickets each. Also, Blessing Muzarabani got two wickets (2/14) and Sean Williams had one wicket (1/19). 

ZIM vs SL 2025, 2nd T20I: Zimbabwe chased comfortably despite early collapse

In reply, Zimbabwe were losing wickets at regular intervals. After the openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani set up a 20-run partnership for the first wicket, they lost three wickets for just seven runs. While Marumani scored 17 runs, Bennett scored 19 runs to provide early stability after the initial collapse. While the hosts were struggling at 61/5, Ryan Burl (20*) and Tashinga Musekiwa (21*) secured the much-needed win comfortably. 

Among the Sri Lankan bowlers, Dushmantha Chameera got three wickets (3/19), while Binura Fernando (1/14) and Maheesh Theekshana (1/28) picked up one wicket each, but they haven't enough runs on the board. 

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.