Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I tri-series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka because of a back injury. The key figure in the squad had already missed the last two T20Is of Zimbabwe’s recently concluded series against Afghanistan.
His absence is a big blow to Zimbabwe, as the 26-year-old pacer had been one of their stand-out performers early in the series, taking 2-41 in the opening game.
Newman Nyamhuri appointed as Blessing Muzarabani’s replacement
To fill in for Muzarabani, Zimbabwe has named 19-year-old left-arm seamer Newman Nyamhuri as his replacement. Yet to make his T20I debut, Nyamhuri brings in decent experience from his four Tests and as many ODIs. He was part of Zimbabwe’s T20I squad for the tri-series in July 2024 against South Africa and New Zealand but did not feature in any of the matches.
Zimbabwe Squad for the T20I Tri-Series
Aside from the injury-enforced change, no other modifications have been made to the Zimbabwean squad, which faced Afghanistan at home recently, losing 0-3. Zimbabwe, under Sikandar Raza’s captaincy, will play their first match of the tri-series against host nation Pakistan on November 17, 2024, in Rawalpindi.
They take on Sri Lanka in the same venue on November 19 before travelling to Lahore for further matches against Pakistan on November 23 and Sri Lanka on November 25.
Full Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series Squad:
Sikandar Raza (Captain)
Brian Bennett
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Ryan Burl
Graeme Cremer
Bradley Evans
Clive Madande
Tinotenda Maposa
Wellington Masakadza
Tadiwanashe Marumani
Tony Munyonga
Tashinga Musekiwa
Dion Myers
Richard Ngarava
Newman Nyamhuri
Brendan Taylor
Tri-Series Tournament Details
The T20I tri-series will take place from November 17 to November 29, 2024. The top two teams on the points table will advance into the final in Lahore. The series will represent an important part of Zimbabwe’s preparation as they seek revival in T20I cricket after recent setbacks.
Muzarabani’s Injury and Zimbabwe’s Plans Moving Forward The injury to Blessing Muzarabani has been a setback to Zimbabwe, but with Nyamhuri stepping in, the team is confident of its prospects in the tri-series.
Their recent defeat against Afghanistan 0-3 notwithstanding, Zimbabwe’s squad still possesses considerable talent, with the ever-experienced Sikandar Raza and dynamic all-rounders like Ryan Burl and Dion Myers forming part of it.
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