Zimbabwe Names New ODI Captain for UAE Triangular Series

New Delhi, Oct 10 – With Richard Ngarava still battling a back injury, Zimbabwe Cricket has promoted all‑rounder Sikandar Raja to lead the national side in the upcoming One‑Day International triangular series in the United Arab Emirates. The tournament will feature Afghanistan and Bangladesh as the competing opponents.

After the ODIs, the Zimbabwemen will continue their overseas program with three T20 Internationals and two Tests against Afghanistan, extending their exposure to all three formats.

Two newcomers have been handed a chance to debut. Tafadzwa Tsiga, a 32‑year‑old wicket‑keeper‑batsman, recorded three first‑class centuries this year and has previously represented Zimbabwe in Test cricket. Vincent Masikeza, the 29‑year‑old leg‑spinner, shone in the recent Logan Cup, taking 25 wickets at an average of 29.92, and later impressed against Bangladesh’s junior side.

The experienced core – Craig Ervin, Brendan Taylor and Ben Karn – will provide stability to the batting order, while fast bowler Blessing Mujarabani is slated to head the pace attack. Brad Evans will be available for every white‑ball match except the third T20I versus Afghanistan, where Kundanai Matigimu will step in.

The officially released ODI squad reads: Sikandar Raja (c), Ben Karn, Blessing Mujarabani, Brad Evans, Brendan Taylor, Brian Bennett, Craig Ervin, Ernest Masuku, Newman Nyamhuri, Ryan Burl, Tadivane Marumani, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Vincent Masikeza, Wellington Masakadzha, and Wesly Madhevere.

The T20 squad mirrors the ODI list, with the addition of recovering all‑rounder Inosent Kaia and the specific T20 substitution of Kundanai Matigimu for Evans in the final fixture.