Zimbabwe’s Test cricket journey continues this April with a challenging tour to Bangladesh, where the Chevrons are set to play two crucial five-day matches. The first Test will be hosted at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium from April 20 to 24, while the second will unfold at the historic Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram from April 28 to May 2.
Coming off the back of a historic series win against Ireland on home soil earlier this year, the Chevrons arrive with a boost in morale—but a deeper dive reveals that Zimbabwe’s form in Test cricket remains patchy. In December 2024, Zimbabwe split their two-match series against Afghanistan—drawing the first Test but succumbing to a 72-run defeat in the second. That was followed by a loss to Ireland in a one-off Test in January 2025, where Zimbabwe fell short by 63 runs.
Despite those stumbles, there’s cautious optimism within the camp. Head coach Justin Sammons has named a strong 15-man squad to take on Bangladesh in what will be a significant measure of our red-ball credentials. Leading the side once again is the experienced Craig Ervine, whose calm leadership will be vital in navigating the spin-friendly and pressure-laden conditions of the subcontinent.
Zimbabwe Test Squad for Bangladesh Tour:
Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch and Sean Williams
There’s a good balance of experience and youth in the squad. Veterans like Sean Williams, Wellington Masakadza, and Blessing Muzarabani bring depth and leadership, while younger names such as Brian Bennett and Vincent Masekesa offer spark and fresh energy. The inclusion of Ben Curran and Johnathan Campbell adds technical solidity to the top order, which will be under intense scrutiny against Bangladesh’s world-class spin attack.
Bangladeshi pitches, especially in Sylhet and Chattogram, are notorious for their slow turn and unpredictable bounce in the later stages of a Test. Zimbabwe’s ability to bat long, adapt to spin early, and avoid collapse in the middle order will be key. The bowling attack, led by Muzarabani and Ngarava, will need to find reverse swing and maintain discipline across long spells—a challenge that has often separated the elite Test sides from the rest.
While Zimbabwe may not be the favourites going into this series, there is an opportunity to make a statement. With the right application, patience, and a bit of fortune, the Chevrons could very well walk away with more than just experience—they could return home with a landmark overseas Test victory.
A stern test awaits, but for the Chevrons, it’s a golden opportunity to prove that they can stand tall on the Test arena once more.
