Zimbabwe have announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Bangladesh, recalling four players as they look to build on the confidence gained from their historic victory in the recent one-off Test.
The hosts produced a memorable innings-and-85-run triumph over Bangladesh in the solitary Test, one of their most emphatic victories in recent years. Buoyed by that success, Zimbabwe will now aim to extend their winning momentum into the 50-over format when the ODI series begins on 6 July.
Among the notable inclusions are Innocent Kaia, Ryan Burl, Tadiwanashe Marumani and Wellington Masakadza, all of whom return to the national ODI set-up after missing Zimbabwe’s previous assignment in the format.
Kaia’s recall is particularly significant. The opening batter last represented Zimbabwe in an ODI in December 2023 and has forced his way back into contention through a string of impressive performances. He was the standout performer in the recent Test against Bangladesh, producing a magnificent 140 to lay the foundation for Zimbabwe’s dominant victory.
The innings further enhanced Kaia’s outstanding record against Bangladesh. Both of his Test centuries have come against the Tigers, highlighting his ability to deliver against the South Asian side. He also enjoyed success against Bangladesh while representing Zimbabwe A, scoring an ODI century during a previous tour, making him one of the hosts’ principal batting hopes for the forthcoming series.
Experienced all-rounder Sikandar Raza, who did not feature in the one-off Test, has been included in the ODI squad and is expected to play a central role in Zimbabwe’s middle order. Widely regarded as one of the country’s finest white-ball cricketers, Raza’s all-round qualities, experience and leadership provide invaluable balance to the side.
Ryan Burl has also earned a recall after producing encouraging performances for Zimbabwe A during their recent tour of Bangladesh, where he scored 50 and 20 in two innings. The left-handed all-rounder further strengthened his claims with two centuries in domestic cricket in March, demonstrating the form that has earned him a return to the national side.
Tadiwanashe Marumani returns as one of two wicketkeeping options alongside Clive Madande, while left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza adds experience and variety to Zimbabwe’s bowling attack.
Zimbabwe last played an ODI series against Sri Lanka last year, and the latest squad features several notable omissions from that side. Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams, Jonathan Campbell, Tony Munyonga and Trevor Gwandu have all been left out.
Williams remains unavailable as he continues to undergo a rehabilitation programme for substance dependency, while the remaining absentees have made way for players who have impressed through recent international performances or strong domestic form.
The side will once again be led by left-arm fast bowler Richard Ngarava, reflecting Zimbabwe Cricket’s continued confidence in his leadership. He will be supported by an experienced core that includes Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza, Blessing Muzarabani and Ryan Burl, alongside promising younger players such as Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Wesley Madhevere and Newman Nyamhuri.
All three matches of the ODI series will be played at Harare Sports Club. The opening encounter is scheduled for 6 July, with the remaining fixtures to follow on 9 and 11 July. The two teams will then contest a three-match Twenty20 International series beginning on 15 July.
The ODI series will also mark the start of a new chapter for Zimbabwe’s coaching set-up following the appointment of former West Indies fast-bowling great Courtney Walsh as bowling coach. Walsh, who previously enjoyed a successful spell as Bangladesh’s bowling coach, officially begins his tenure with Zimbabwe during the white-ball series and is expected to bring considerable experience to the hosts’ pace attack.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, will be eager to recover from their disappointing Test defeat and make a fresh start in the limited-overs format. The visitors possess a more experienced ODI unit and will hope the switch in format enables them to rediscover their rhythm after a difficult outing in the red-ball game.
With Zimbabwe carrying the confidence of a landmark Test victory and Bangladesh determined to respond strongly, the three-match ODI series promises to be an absorbing contest. It will also provide both teams with an important opportunity to refine their combinations, assess player form and build momentum ahead of a busy international schedule.
Zimbabwe ODI squad: Richard Ngarava (captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Ben Curran, Craig Ervine, Brad Evans, Innocent Kaia, Clive Madande (wicketkeeper), Wesley Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wicketkeeper), Wellington Masakadza, Ernest Masuku, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri and Sikandar Raza.