Two matches to put Zimbabwe on course for the tri-series final
Zimbabwe open an ODI tri-series against Bangladesh on Saturday 17 October, before meeting Afghanistan on 19 October. The schedule, the format and the selection decisions to watch around Sikandar Raza.
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Two group matches, then a possible final: Zimbabwe begin their cricket tri-series in the United Arab Emirates on Saturday 17 October. The first opponents are Bangladesh; the second will be Afghanistan, on Monday 19 October. To follow this tour without mixing up its different competitions, the first thing to know is simple: this week is played in ODIs, the one-day international format.
Two opponents, one place up for grabs
The competition brings together three sides: Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. The UAE is hosting the matches, but the host nation's team is not taking part. Each side plays the other two once. The top two in the standings will meet in the final on Friday 23 October.
Zimbabwe will therefore have completed their group matches by 19 October. Bangladesh v Afghanistan on Wednesday 21 will settle the final standings. If Zimbabwe finish with one win and one defeat, they could have to wait for that last match to learn their fate.
Raza surrounded by experience, two possible debutants
Sikandar Raza leads the Zimbabwe side. Craig Ervine and Brendan Taylor are also in the group, alongside Brian Bennett, Ben Curran and Tadiwanashe Marumani. Blessing Muzarabani is among the bowlers selected. The squad thus mixes established players with candidates for a first appearance in this format.
Two names merit particular attention when the team is revealed: Tafadzwa Tsiga and Vincent Masekesa. Both are in the ODI squad and could make their debuts. Selection for the tour does not guarantee a place in the XI, however: we will have to wait for the team sheet for each match to know whether they play.
It is a useful distinction for fans. The squad list shows the options open to Zimbabwe; it does not yet allow us to describe the balance of the side that will take the field on Saturday.
A possible final, then another competition
The 23 October fixture will close only the ODI tri-series. Zimbabwe's tour will then continue against Afghanistan with three T20 internationals, on 27 and 29 October and 1 November. Two Tests are scheduled, from 5 to 9 and 13 to 17 November.
These three stages have separate schedules. Being named in the white-ball squad says nothing about Test selection. Until then, the two dates to note for following Zimbabwe remain 17 and 19 October: they will determine their bid for the 23 October final.
Archive: Sikandar Raza with Zimbabwe at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 6 November 2022, during the T20 World Cup. Photo: Storm machine / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Layout and SNA logo added; adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0. Original photograph · CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.
