Zimbabwe announce squads against Afghanistan; Ben Curran and Newman Nyamhuri receive maiden call-ups

Zimbabwe Cricket has announced its squads for the upcoming white-ball series against Afghanistan, with left-hand batter Ben Curran and left-arm seamer Newman Nyamhuri earning their first call-ups to the national team.

Ben Curran, 27, is the middle brother of England internationals Tom and Sam Curran and the son of former Zimbabwe cricketer Kevin Curran. Born in England, Curran played for Northamptonshire until 2022 before moving to Zimbabwe to continue his cricketing career. He has been a standout performer in Zimbabwe’s domestic competitions, leading the run charts in the Pro50 List A and Logan Cup first-class tournaments. Curran will feature only in the three-match ODI series scheduled for December 17, 19, and 21 in Harare.

Newman Nyamhuri, an 18-year-old left-arm quick, has been included in both the ODI and T20I squads. Nyamhuri impressed as Zimbabwe’s leading wicket-taker in the Under-19 World Cup, claiming eight wickets, and has been rewarded for his consistent performances.

The T20I series will kick off the tour with matches on December 11, 13, and 14, all to be held in Harare. Among the notable squad changes, Victor Nyauchi makes a return to the ODI squad, while top-order batter Takudzwanashe Kaitano has been included in the T20I squad and may debut in the shortest format. Meanwhile, Faraz Akram, Brandon Mavuta, and Clive Madande, who is recovering from a dislocated shoulder, have been left out.

Also See: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Series Schedule, Upcoming Matches and Timing

Sikandar Raza will captain the T20I side, with key players like Ryan Burl, Blessing Muzarabani, and Richard Ngarava forming the core of the team.

Zimbabwe T20I Squad:

Sikandar Raza (captain), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri.

Zimbabwe ODI Squad:

Craig Ervine (captain), Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Joylord Gumbie, Trevor Gwandu, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Victor Nyauchi, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams.