THE Zimbabwe national cricket team, the Chevrons, arrive in Pakistan with a clear, ambitious goal for the T20 Tri-Series against the hosts and Sri Lanka: to win the tournament.
Kicking off their campaign against a formidable Pakistan side this Tuesday, the Sikandar Raza-led team views the series as a crucial, high-pressure staging post in their preparation for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, despite recent security-related fixture adjustments.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Zimbabwe batting coach Dion Ebrahim made the team’s objective unambiguous.
“Look, we're looking to win. We've come to this Tri-Series with the ambition to win. To compete in every game,” Ebrahim said, emphasising the continuous development of the squad.
The series offers the Chevrons a vital chance to bounce back after a chastening 3–0 T20I whitewash against Afghanistan on home soil recently.
Against two of Asia's subcontinent giants, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the team is desperate to find winning momentum and a settled combination.
Ebrahim highlighted the long-term focus of the group saying: “We've been together for over a year now.
“So it's trying to put two steps forward in terms of our preparation leading to the World Cup. And it starts with trying to win this tournament.”
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The coach confirmed the morale was high despite the challenging environment.
“Look, the team is very excited to be here, very excited to take part in this triangular tournament,” he said.
“For a number of young guys, it's their first time coming over to Pakistan. But we've had a group of players now for close to over a year. So the team is ready and really excited for the challenges ahead.”
With the tournament relocated entirely to the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium for security reasons, the experience of players who have participated in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will be key.
“Look, experience is huge in these conditions,” Ebrahim added.
“They're slightly different, not only the nature of the climate, but the fact that we play in under lights at night.
“So the experience that those three that you mentioned have got from the PSL are going to be invaluable.
“Because it's the little insights, the valuable pieces of information that you are able to receive prior to going through the experience.”
Veterans like captain Raza, Ryan Burl, and the returning Brendan Taylor will be crucial in this effort.
Despite the loss of pace spearhead Blessing Muzarabani to injury, the Chevrons believe their established work ethic will see them through.
Ebrahim maintained that the team was ready regardless of the opponent or location.
“We had been playing competitive cricket, we had been playing international cricket,” he said. “So the players are versed in terms of what's needed.”
Ultimately, Zimbabwe is looking to make a lasting impression on and off the field.
“Look, I think we want to win over the fans. We want to win over the respect of the Pakistan nation, as well as the players that we play against.
“So, look, we hope that we play a brand of cricket that is exciting and appealing for fans to support us,” Ebrahim concluded.
The series begins on Tuesday, November 18, with Zimbabwe taking on hosts Pakistan.
Tri-nation series fixtures
November 18- Pakistan v Zimbabwe, November 20- Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, November 22- Pakistan v Sri Lanka, November 23 - Pakistan v Zimbabwe, November 25- Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, November 27- Pakistan v Sri Lanka, November 29- Final
Zimbabwe squad for T20I tri-series
Sikandar Raza (Captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Bradley Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Wellington Masakadza, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Brendan Taylor
