Raza to Lead Zimbabwe at Landmark Windhoek Tri-Series as Squad Is Named
Published on August 25, 2026
Summary Overview: Sikandar Raza will captain Zimbabwe at the T20I tri-series in Windhoek against Namibia and South Africa, with Graeme Cremer recalled. Full squad, fixtures and why it matters.
Raza to Lead Zimbabwe at Landmark Windhoek Tri-Series as Squad Is Named
By Cricket Daily
Zimbabwe have named their squad for the T20 international tri-series in Windhoek, and star all-rounder Sikandar Raza will once again lead the Chevrons. It is a tournament with real significance attached, both as World Cup preparation and as a milestone for cricket across Africa. Before the detail, here are the quick answers.
Have Zimbabwe announced their squad?
Yes. Zimbabwe Cricket has named a 15-player squad for the T20I tri-series against hosts Namibia and South Africa.
Who is captaining Zimbabwe?
Veteran all-rounder Sikandar Raza, one of the most experienced and respected players in world cricket, continues as captain.
What is notable about the squad?
The return of experienced leg-spinner Graeme Cremer from injury, a maiden white-ball call-up feel for uncapped pacer Kundai Matigimu, and the absence of two frontline fast bowlers through injury.
When and where is the tri-series? In Windhoek, at the Namibia Cricket Ground, from 28 August to 6 September.
Now, the full picture.
A landmark tournament
This is more than a routine tri-series. All three teams involved, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, are the co-hosts of the 2027 Cricket World Cup, so these matches are valuable preparation as they build towards that global event on home soil.
There is a bigger picture too. The tournament is being seen as a precursor to a proposed Africa T20 Cup, planned from 2027, an annual competition designed to grow high-level cricket across the continent. That is what makes this a genuinely landmark occasion. It is intended as the foundation of a new era of regular, competitive cricket between Africa's leading nations, rather than just a one-off event.
Raza leads once again
At the heart of it all is Sikandar Raza. The 40-year-old all-rounder, a player who contributes with both bat and ball, remains Zimbabwe's talisman and captain, and his experience and big-match temperament will be central to their hopes. Raza has led Zimbabwe through a busy home season and now takes charge for this trip across the border.
Cremer returns, Matigimu comes in
The headline selection news is the return of leg-spinner Graeme Cremer. The experienced tweaker is back in the national setup after recovering from a left-arm injury that ruled him out of Zimbabwe's home series against Bangladesh and India. His control and wicket-taking threat add a valuable dimension to the attack.
There is a fresh face too, with uncapped pacer Kundai Matigimu, who has played one Test for Zimbabwe, included in the 15. Bringing in a young quick alongside the established names is a sensible bit of squad building.
Injury absences
Zimbabwe do have to manage without two of their frontline seamers. Richard Ngarava is still recovering from a lower-back issue, while Tanaka Chivanga has undergone surgery after suffering an Achilles tendon injury in practice. Their absence puts extra responsibility on the experienced Blessing Muzarabani to lead the pace attack.
The format and Zimbabwe's fixtures
The tri-series is a seven-match event. Each of the three teams plays the other two twice in a league stage, and the top two then meet in the final at the same venue on 6 September.
Zimbabwe open their campaign against South Africa on 29 August, then face hosts Namibia on 31 August, before a second meeting with South Africa on 1 September and a return against Namibia on 3 September. Win enough of those, and they will be back in Windhoek for the final.
What it means
For Zimbabwe, this is an important assignment. It offers competitive cricket against a full-strength Namibia in their own conditions and a South African side eager to test its emerging players, exactly the kind of preparation that matters with a home World Cup on the horizon. Under Raza's leadership, and with Cremer back to bolster the bowling, Zimbabwe will fancy their chances of reaching the final and making a strong statement.
More broadly, it is a proud moment for African cricket, three neighbours coming together to raise the standard and build towards something bigger. That is well worth celebrating.
Keep it locked to Cricket Daily for squads, results, and full coverage of the Windhoek tri-series.
Zimbabwe's squad for the tri-series
Batters: Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Innocent Kaia, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dion Myers
Wicketkeeper: Tafadzwa Tsiga
All-rounders: Sikandar Raza (captain), Ryan Burl, Wessly Madhevere, Brad Evans
Spinners: Graeme Cremer, Wellington Masakadza
Pace bowlers: Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Kundai Matigimu
Frequently asked questions
Who returns to the squad?
Leg-spinner Graeme Cremer, back after recovering from a left-arm injury.
Which players are missing?
Fast bowlers Richard Ngarava and Tanaka Chivanga, both ruled out through injury.
Why is the tri-series significant?
It is preparation for the 2027 World Cup, which Zimbabwe will co-host with Namibia and South Africa, and a precursor to a proposed Africa T20 Cup from 2027.