Tag: Zimbabwe

Defending champions India are looking to bolster their faltering opening combination ahead of a dare-not-lose T20 World Cup clash against Zimbabwe to keep hopes of making the semi-finals alive.

Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson is an option at the top of the order, in India’s second Super Eights clash in Chennai on Thursday.

Opener Abhishek Sharma’s batting slump — including three consecutive ducks — has dented India’s campaign.

The team suffered a 76-run defeat to South Africa in their Super Eights opener.

India now face a straightforward equation — win their remaining two matches to keep qualification for the semi-finals largely in their own hands, or risk depending on other results.

Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak acknowledged that team combinations are under discussion for the high-stakes match.

“There can be changes, yes,” Kotak told reporters. “And obviously, it goes without saying that we discuss, because there are two leftie openers, number three is left-handed.”

While Kotak downplayed the imbalance, he admitted early setbacks had forced the team to reassess.

“I personally don’t think that there is any problem there but because we lost a wicket in the first over in three games, obviously, any team would think,” he said.

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India’s top and middle order is dominated by left-handers, offering opponents a clear tactical approach.

Teams including Pakistan, the Netherlands, and South Africa have targeted the vulnerability by opening the bowling with off-spin, dismissing one of the two openers in the first over with an off-spinner.

In the loss to South Africa, Abhishek’s opening partner Ishan Kishan fell for a fourth-ball duck after skipper Aiden Markram opened the bowling with off-spin.

Sanju Samson, a right-hander who played in the tournament with Abhishek unwell, could break the left-handed grip on the top of the order.

“People ask about Sanju as right-hander up front,” said Kotak. “Or you think of playing three spinners,” he added.

Zimbabwe, led by Sikandar Raza, have emerged as one of the surprise packages of the tournament, having stunned Australia and co-hosts Sri Lanka to reach the Super Eights.

The West Indies top the Super Eights Group 1 after defeating Zimbabwe, with South Africa second. Both India and Zimbabwe head into Thursday’s clash in urgent need of a victory.

“For us, every match is a must-win from here,” said Kotak.

“If you want to go and win the World Cup, you expect to beat all the sides you play.”

Indian middle-order batter Rinku Singh has left the team to attend to his ailing father and missed training ahead of the key match. But Kotak said Rinku will rejoin the team Wednesday evening.

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CHENNAI: India batter Rinku Singh has returned home owing to a family emergency, casting serious doubt over his availability for the upcoming Super Eight fixture against Zimbabwe on February 26 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Rinku was notably absent from India’s training session at the Chepauk on Tuesday evening, while the rest of the squad went through their preparations ahead of the must-win encounter.

The left-hander has endured a difficult campaign in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026 so far, managing scores of 6, 1, 11* and 6 not out during the group stage.

His struggles continued in the Super Eight clash against South Africa in Ahmedabad, where he was dismissed for a two-ball duck in India’s 76-run defeat.

With the defending champions under pressure to stay alive in the tournament, Rinku’s potential absence adds another layer of concern.

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India are currently in a position where they must win both of their remaining Super Eight matches to strengthen their case for a semi-final berth.

If Rinku is ruled out for the Zimbabwe game, India have a couple of options on the bench.

Sanju Samson could come into the XI, though his inclusion would likely trigger a reshuffle in the batting order. Alternatively, Axar Patel can slot in at number eight, the position Rinku occupied in the previous outing.

Following the Zimbabwe fixture, India will conclude their Super Eight campaign against the West Indies in Kolkata on March 1.

Should they progress to the knockout stage, their semi-final is scheduled for March 5 in Mumbai. However, if they are drawn against Pakistan, the match will instead take place a day earlier in Colombo.

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PALLEKELE: Zimbabwe booked their place in the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after their crucial Group B clash against Ireland was washed out due to rain at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, a result that officially ended Australia’s campaign.

The abandoned match handed one point each to both teams, taking Zimbabwe to five points and confirming them as the second side from Group B to advance, alongside Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, this result sealed Australia’s fate, who were already under pressure after defeats to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Their qualification hopes depended on Zimbabwe losing to both Ireland and Oman, which would have kept the race open on four points.

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Australia would then have needed a convincing win over Oman in their final group match to progress on net run rate.

However, the shared points between Zimbabwe and Ireland shut that door completely. Even a win in their last fixture can now only take Australia to four points, leaving them mathematically out of contention.

It marks the second time Australia have crashed out in the group stage of a Men’s T20 World Cup.

Ireland, meanwhile, also bowed out of the tournament. With just one victory — against Oman, they finished their campaign with three points.

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COLOMBO: Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza lavished praise on his side after sealing an emphatic 20-run victory over Australia in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The result marked one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far, as Zimbabwe outplayed the former champions in all departments to continue their impressive run.

Opting to bat first, Zimbabwe produced a confident batting effort to post a competitive 169-2.

Opener Brian Bennett anchored the innings with a steady 64 off 56 deliveries, striking seven boundaries. Meanwhile, captain Sikandar Raza added late impetus with an unbeaten 25 off just 13 balls.

For Australia, only Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis managed to pick up wickets as Zimbabwe built a strong foundation.

Zimbabwe inflicted a poor start on Australia as they were reduced to 29-4 inside five overs.

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A fighting 77-run stand between Glenn Maxwell and Matt Renshaw briefly revived the chase, but the rising required rate kept mounting pressure.

Australia were eventually bowled out for 146.

Sikandar Raza took to X and praised his team for defeating a strong Australian side.

“This team. No words to describe what we all feeling today but we are aware what lies ahead and in sha Allah we remain committed and focused,” he wrote.

“Keep praying for us and in sha Allah we keep going,” Raza added.

Interestingly, this was only the second T20 World Cup meeting between the two sides, with Zimbabwe now holding a perfect 2-0 record after also defeating Australia in the inaugural 2007 edition.

With back-to-back wins, including their earlier victory over Oman, Zimbabwe have strengthened their chances of progressing to the next round. They are set to face Ireland and Sri Lanka in their remaining group fixtures.

Australia, meanwhile, must win both of their remaining matches against Sri Lanka and Oman to keep their Super Eight hopes alive.

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COLOMBO: A disciplined bowling display led by Blessing Muzarabani and a composed half-century from Brian Bennett steered Zimbabwe to a memorable 23-run victory over Australia in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Friday.

The result marked one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far, as Zimbabwe outplayed the former champions in all departments to continue their impressive run.

Opting to bat first, Zimbabwe produced a confident batting effort to post a competitive 169-2.

Opener Brian Bennett anchored the innings with a steady 64 off 56 deliveries, striking seven boundaries.

He found solid support from Tadiwanashe Marumani and Ryan Burl, who contributed 35 runs apiece, while captain Sikandar Raza added late impetus with an unbeaten 25 off just 13 balls.

For Australia, only Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis managed to pick up wickets as Zimbabwe built a strong foundation.

Australia’s chase began on a disastrous note as Muzarabani and Brad Evans struck early, sharing four wickets to leave Australia struggling at 29-4 inside five overs.

A fighting 77-run stand between Glenn Maxwell and Matt Renshaw briefly revived the chase, but the rising required rate kept mounting pressure.

Maxwell scored 31 off 32 before being clean bowled by Ryan Burl, while Renshaw’s determined 65 off 44 ended when Muzarabani struck again, effectively sealing the contest. Australia were eventually bowled out for 146.

Muzarabani finished with four wickets, while Evans claimed three. Wellington Masakadza and Ryan Burl chipped in with one wicket each to complete a clinical bowling performance.

Interestingly, this was only the second T20 World Cup meeting between the two sides, with Zimbabwe now holding a perfect 2-0 record after also defeating Australia in the inaugural 2007 edition.

With back-to-back wins, including their earlier victory over Oman, Zimbabwe have strengthened their chances of progressing to the next round. They are set to face Ireland and Sri Lanka in their remaining group fixtures.

Australia, meanwhile, must win both of their remaining matches against Sri Lanka and Oman to keep their Super Eight hopes alive.

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BULAWAYO: Vihaan Malhotra’s sublime century backed by an all-round bowling effort sealed a 204 run victory for India over Zimbabwe in their Super Six encounter of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 here at the Queens Sports Club on Tuesday.

Set daunting 353, Zimbabwe innings folded for mere 148 run total in 37.4 overs.

Pacers RS Ambrish and Henil Patel made early inroads, removing Nathaniel Hlabangana and Dhruv Patel  inside first three overs.

The third wicket fell in the eighth over as the hosts were reduced to 24-3.

However, Leeroy Chiwaula and Kian Blignaut arrested the slide with a 69 run stand. The pair brought the total to 93 in 26.5 overs.

Blignaut was cleaned bowled for 37 off 73 balls which included four boundaries.

Despite the wicket, Chiwaula held one end and stitched a 49 run partnership to keep Zimbabwe afloat.

But both batters were removed in successive overs, sparking a collapse which the side could not recover from.

Chiwaula top scored with 62 from 77 balls which included a six and seven boundaries.

For India, Ayush Mhatre and Udhav Mohan shared six wickets between them. Meanwhile RS Ambrish also managed to took two wickets.

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Earlier, put into bat first, India managed to put 352-8 on the board at the end of their 50 overs.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi laid a strong foundation with a brisk half-century, scoring 52 from just 30, hitting four boundaries and same number of maximums.

After a steady start, Vihaan Malhotra and Abhigyan Kundu forged a 113 run partnership, to propel India to a big total.

Malhotra scord unbeaten 109 from 107 balls which was laced with seven fours while Kundu’s 61 from 62 included five fours and a six.

For Zimbabwe, Tatenda Chimugoro remained the stand out bowler with three wickets to his name.

With this victory, India moved to top position in the Group 2 with six points.

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HARARE: The tactics behind Pakistan slow chase against Zimbabwe have been revealed as the Green Shirts executed a calculated run-chase that guaranteed both teams a spot in the Super Six stage of the U19 World Cup 2026.

Pakistan outplayed hosts Zimbabwe in their last-group stage fixture by eight wickets.

The win resulted in Scotland’s elimination whereas Pakistan and Zimbabwe both qualified for the next round.

Pakistan chased down the target in a tactical way, taking tournament rules in account which helped them improve their net-run rate going forward.

After racing to 84 in 14 overs, Pakistan’s chase of 129 entered a curious stalemate.

Despite needing less than four runs per over, Minhas and Hussain scored with a run rate of three runs per over for the next 12 overs. This period included a staggering 89-ball boundary drought.

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The result came as a heartbreak for Scotland who were in qualifying position halfway through the innings before being overtaken by Zimbabwe on net run rate.

Pakistan took a measured approach in pursuit of 129 run target as they slowed down their scoring after 14th over and eventually chased the target in 26.2 overs.

For Scotland to qualify, Pakistan needed to reach their target within 25.2 overs.

However, Pakistan prioritised the Super Six regulations, which say that only teams that advance will carry their run rate and points earned in matches against fellow qualifiers.

By prolonging the chase, Pakistan ensured Zimbabwe qualified alongside them, protecting their own statistical advantage for the next stage.

Pakistan advanced with a better net run rate because they had beaten Zimbabwe by a bigger margin than they beat Scotland. Pakistan defeated Scotland with 6.5 overs to spare.

Additionally, they also hit Group C toppers England’s run rate as the Three Lions have secured a 252 run victory over Scotland.

It is worth mentioning that intentionally slowing down a game to manipulate tournament standings is technically against ICC rules, but Pakistan tactics looked obvious and proving the team’s intent is an uphill task.

Previously, Steve Waugh has also attempted a similar strategy during Australia’s chase against West Indies during 1999 ODI World Cup.

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HARARE: Ali Raza and Sameer Minhas starred as Pakistan produced a commanding display to seal a victory over Zimbabwe in the 19th fixture of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 here at the Takashinga Sports Club, Highfield on Thursday.

The Green Shirts chased down a mere 129 target in 26.2 overs, losing two wickets in the process.

Ali Hassan Baloch and Sameer Minhas added 19 for the opening wicket in 3.3 overs before the former was caught, after scoring three.

After an early wicket, Usman Khan then paired up with Sameer Minhas, stitching a 49 run parntership.

The pair made lightwork of the chase as Pakistan’s scorecard read 68 in 10.5 overs.

Michael Blignaut provided Zimbabwe much-need breakthrough, cleaning up Usman, who scored 26 from 23 balls with the help of five fours.

Despite the wicket, Minhas cruised on and forged an unbeaten 64-run partnership off 83 balls alongside Ahmed Hussain, who made 24 from 53 balls.

Minhas eventually finished the game with two back-to-back sixes off Michael Blignaut’s over.

The right-hander’s dream run in the Youth ODIs continued as he scored 74* from 75 with the help of half a dozen fours and three sixes.

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For Zimbabwe, Michael Blignaut and Panashe Mazai took one wicket each.

Despite the loss, Zimbabwe advanced to the Super Six stage courtesy of their superior run rate over Scotland.

Earlier, Pakistan’s pace bowlers produced a disciplined collective display to bundle co-hosts Zimbabwe to a modest 128-run total.

After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf opted to field first, a decision that quickly paid off as Zimbabwe’s batting lineup collapsed under sustained pressure.

The home side managed to score a meagre 128 runs in 35.5 overs against a well-rounded Pakistani bowling attack.

Zimbabwe opener Nathaniel Hlabangana was the lone bright spark for the hosts, battling hard to score 59 off 85 balls, featuring seven boundaries.

However, his efforts went largely unsupported, with Brandon Senzere being the only other batter to reach double figures, making 15.

Pakistan’s bowling unit was led by Ali Raza, who delivered a sensational spell of 3 for 16 in eight overs, keeping the pressure constant and not allowing Zimbabwe to build any meaningful partnerships.

He was well backed by Mohammad Sayyam, Momin Qamar and Abdul Subhan, who claimed two wickets each, while Ahmed Hussain chipped in with one.

Notably, the Pakistan U19 team have already secured their place in the Super Sixes, but a win here would guarantee them a second-place finish in Group C with four points.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, face a must-win situation if they are to stay alive in the tournament.

A victory would enable them to leapfrog Scotland and clinch the final Super Sixes spot from Group C, joining England and Pakistan in the next round.

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HARARE: Sikandar Raza is set to lead the 15-member Zimbabwe squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to be co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India.

The Chevrons will be led by Raza after missing out on the previous 2024 edition.

Zimbabwe qualified for the mega event through the Africa qualifier after showcasing a dominant display. The hosts remained unbeaten throughout and lifted the trophy in front of their home crowd in Harare.

 

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The squad includes experienced faces such as Greame Cremer and Brendon Taylor. Brian Bennett will shape up the core of the batting order after impressing with the bat in the qualifiers.

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Blessing Muzarabani will lead the pace attack alongside Richard Ngarava, who will provide the pace threat up front, while experienced Graeme Cremer will bolster the spin attack.

Zimbabwe is slotted in Group B alongside Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland, and Oman.

For the unversed, the T20 World Cup 2026 will begin on 7 February, with the opening match between Pakistan and the Netherlands.

Zimbabwe will commence their campaign against Oman on 9 February in Colombo.

Squad:

Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Bradley Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Brendan Taylor

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Zimbabwe T20I captain Sikandar Raza is going through a difficult time after his younger brother Muhammad Mahdi tragically passed away at the age of 13, the Cricket Board confirmed on Wednesday.

The news was shared via Zimbabwe Cricket’s social handle, detailing Mahdi’s death.

“Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) extends its heartfelt condolences to Zimbabwe T20I Captain Sikandar Raza and his family following the untimely passing of his beloved younger brother, Muhammad Mahdi, who died on 29 December 2025 in Harare at the age of 13,” the statement wrote on X handle.

“Muhammad Mahdi was born with haemophilia and sadly lost his life due to recent health complications,” it added.

The board condoled the cricketer and said that it stood united with Sikandar Raza and his family during the difficult time.

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“He was laid to rest on 30 December 2025 at Warren Hills Cemetery in Harare. The ZC Board, Management, Players, and Staff stand united in solidarity with Sikandar Raza and his family during this profoundly difficult time.

 

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May Allah grant them comfort and strength, and may Muhammad Mahdi’s soul rest in eternal peace,” it concluded.

Following the news, Sikandar Raza’s supporters rallied around him on social media, offering support during his challenging time.

For those unversed, Sikandar Raza has so far represented Zimbabwe in 127 T20Is, 22 Tests, and 153 ODIs. The ace all-rounder has become a prominent name in the T20 circuit in the past couple of years.

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