Zimbabwe announce squad for Bangladesh ODI series, Richard Ngarava to captain for first time

Richard Ngarava will captain Zimbabwe for the first time in One Day Internationals (ODIs) when they take on Bangladesh in a three-match series, commencing on July 6. The African outfit have named their 15-member squad, with a host of experienced players making up the team.

Ngarava, who recently captained Zimbabwe to an innings and 85-run victory over Bangladesh, will lead a strong squad comprising Craig Ervine, Ben Curran, Blessing Muzarabani and Sikandar Raza. The latter will return to the international setup after a successful stint in the 2026 T20 Blast representing the Worcestershire Rapids.

Innocent Kaia, who last represented his nation in an ODI in 2023, has earned a call-up to the side following his maiden Test century against the Tigers last week. He will be joined in the batting department by Brian Bennett, who scored an unbeaten 134 for the Mountaineers against the Mashonaland Eagles in the Pro50 Championship back in March.

Zimbabwe have also named two wicketkeepers in their squad, namely Tadiwanashe Marumani and Clive Madande. Their spin-bowling department, meanwhile, comprising Wellington Masakadza, Ryan Burl and Wessly Madhevere, lacks experience with just 67 wickets between them, with Masakadza taking almost half of those.

It is worth mentioning that Zimbabwe last played the 50-over format in August 2025 when they hosted Sri Lanka for a two-match series. The visitors went on to win the series 2-0 with Pathum Nissanka scoring almost 200 runs with the bat.

Richard Ngarava (C), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Ben Curran, Craig Ervine, Brad Evans, Innocent Kaia, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Ernest Masuku, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza