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Zimbabwe will face South Africa and New Zealand in a high-stakes T20I tri-nation series, scheduled from July 14 to 26 at the historic Harare Sports Club. The series promises two weeks of intense cricketing action, with each team vying for supremacy in the shortest format.
The tournament will follow a double round-robin format, where each team faces the other two twice during the league stage. The top two sides on the points table will then clash in the grand finale on July 26. Zimbabwe will begin the series against South Africa on July 14, while South Africa and New Zealand open their campaigns with a clash on July 16, followed by New Zealand vs Zimbabwe on July 18. The round-robin league will set the stage for a tightly contested race to the final, with Harare’s atmosphere expected to be electric.
Squad shake-ups for New Zealand: Devon Conway in, Finn Allen out
New Zealand will enter the tri-series with a few significant changes to their squad. Devon Conway, the experienced left-hander, has been recalled to the side, replacing Finn Allen, who was ruled out with a foot injury sustained during the MLC 2025. Conway’s inclusion provides stability at the top, especially after Allen’s blistering 51-ball 151 performance earlier in the year.
To ensure depth and cover for potential player unavailability due to the MLC Final, the selectors have also added Mitchell Hay, Jimmy Neesham and Tim Robinson to the squad. New Zealand will be led by all-rounder Mitchell Santner, and will be without several key names including Kane Williamson, who opted out to continue his county stint with Middlesex, Lockie Ferguson (rested) and Kyle Jamieson (awaiting the birth of his child). With a fresh mix of youth and experience, the Kiwis will look to test their bench strength and build toward the T20 World Cup 2026.
Zimbabwe and South Africa banking on fresh faces and leadership
Zimbabwe, the host nation, will be led by senior all-rounder Sikandar Raza, who brings leadership and balance to the side. Among the notable inclusions is Tafadzwa Tsiga, a reliable wicketkeeper-batter earning his maiden T20I call-up following consistent domestic performances. Newman Nyamhuri, a rising fast bowler, is also set to make his mark and add bite to the pace attack.
Meanwhile, South Africa has opted for a blend of youth and experience under the captaincy of Rassie van der Dussen. The Proteas have named several exciting newcomers including Corbin Bosch, Lhuan-dré Pretorius and Rubin Hermann. Senuran Muthusamy, the left-arm spinner, also features in the squad, bringing control and variety to the bowling lineup. With both Zimbabwe and South Africa introducing fresh faces, the tri-series also doubles up as a platform for talent identification and preparation ahead of future ICC events.
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Squads for T20I tri-series
Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza (Captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Tafadzwa Tsiga.
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Devon Conway, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchel, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Mitch Hay, Jimmy Neesham, Tim Robinson
South Africa: Rassie van der Dussen (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and Andile Simelane.
Zimbabwe T20I tri-series: Complete Schedule and Venue Details
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (GMT) | Time (Local) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 14, Mon | Zimbabwe vs South Africa (1st Match) | Harare Sports Club, Harare | 11:00 AM | 01:00 PM |
| Jul 16, Wed | South Africa vs New Zealand (2nd Match) | Harare Sports Club, Harare | 11:00 AM | 01:00 PM |
| Jul 18, Fri | Zimbabwe vs New Zealand (3rd Match) | Harare Sports Club, Harare | 11:00 AM | 01:00 PM |
| Jul 20, Sun | Zimbabwe vs South Africa (4th Match) | Harare Sports Club, Harare | 11:00 AM | 01:00 PM |
| Jul 22, Tue | New Zealand vs South Africa (5th Match) | Harare Sports Club, Harare | 11:00 AM | 01:00 PM |
| Jul 24, Thu | Zimbabwe vs New Zealand (6th Match) | Harare Sports Club, Harare | 11:00 AM | 01:00 PM |
| Jul 26, Sat | TBD vs TBD (Final) | Harare Sports Club, Harare | 11:00 AM | 01:00 PM |
GMT= IST- 5:30 hrs
Broadcasting and Live streaming details
- India: Fancode app and website
- Zimbabwe: ZTN Prime (Channel 294) and DStv app.
- South Africa: SuperSport (Channel 201, 212, 490), SuperSport Cricket; DSTV app
- New Zealand: ThreeNow
- Pakistan: Tamasha, Tapmad, Myco
- USA and Canada: Willow TV [Sign-up here]
- Sri Lanka: The Papare
Also READ: Explained: Why Kane Williamson has not been selected in New Zealand’s Test squad for Zimbabwe tour?
