Zimbabwe squad against Pakistan Announced | ZIM vs PAK T20, ODI Series 2024

Zimbabwe Cricket and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have announced their squads for the upcoming ODI and T20I series in November and December 2024. The white-ball series, featuring three ODIs and three T20Is, will take place at the iconic Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

Complete Schedule

ODI Series

• 1st ODI: November 24, 2024
• 2nd ODI: November 26, 2024
• 3rd ODI: November 28, 2024

T20I Series

• 1st T20I: December 1, 2024
• 2nd T20I: December 3, 2024
• 3rd T20I: December 5, 2024

Zimbabwe Squads Overview

Craig Ervine leads a strong Zimbabwean ODI squad that combines experience and youth. Veterans Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams bolster the batting lineup, while Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava spearhead the pace attack. Exciting prospects Trevor Gwandu, Tashinga Musekiwa, and Tinotenda Maposa add fresh energy to the team.

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.

Key Players to Watch

• Craig Ervine: Known for his steady leadership and consistency at the top.
• Sikandar Raza: An all-rounder with match-winning abilities in both departments.
• Blessing Muzarabani: A proven performer with the ball, especially in high-pressure situations.

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.

Sikandar Raza continues his leadership role in T20Is, supported by a squad that achieved historic success at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup sub-regional qualifier. Key players like Wellington Masakadza and Ryan Burl bring balance, while uncapped players provide fresh firepower.

Notable Absentees

Ervine, Williams, and Joylord Gumbie have been excluded from the T20I squad to focus on maintaining the successful T20 combination.

Pakistan Squads Overview:

ODI Squad:

Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (WK), Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shahnawaz Dahani, Tayyab Tahir.

Pakistan’s ODI squad features a mix of seasoned campaigners and rising stars. Mohammad Rizwan and Haris Rauf are key components, while players like Aamir Jamal and Saim Ayub add depth to the lineup. Abrar Ahmed provides a spin option in helpful conditions.

T20I Squad:

Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (WK), Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair bin Yousuf, Qasim Akram, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan.

Pakistan has opted for a younger and dynamic squad for the T20Is. Arafat Minhas and Jahandad Khan are among the new faces who will aim to impress alongside experienced players like Haris Rauf and Ahmed Daniyal.

Key Matchups

• Zimbabwe’s Experienced Core vs. Pakistan’s Bowling Firepower: The likes of Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams will need to navigate Pakistan’s strong pace attack, led by Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain.
• Emerging Players in Focus: Zimbabwe’s uncapped trio and Pakistan’s newcomers will look to leave their mark on international cricket.

Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo offers conditions that traditionally favor batsmen, but early morning starts might provide opportunities for swing bowlers.

David Mutendera, Zimbabwe’s Convener of Selectors, expressed confidence in his team’s preparation. “Facing a high-caliber side like Pakistan is a tremendous opportunity for us to gauge our progress and showcase Zimbabwe’s potential,” he said. Pakistan’s squad, equally motivated, will aim to secure crucial victories ahead of their broader cricketing commitments.