Ngarava to Lead Zimbabwe in Bangladesh Test, Raza Absent
Zimbabwe name a 15-man squad for the one-off Test starting June 28, with Richard Ngarava taking over captaincy and Sikandar Raza missing out due to county commitments.
Zimbabwe have announced a 15-member squad for their one-off Test against Bangladesh, set to begin on June 28 at Harare Sports Club. The selectors have retained much of the core that beat Afghanistan in October 2025, while introducing a few fresh faces. However, the team will be without star all-rounder Sikandar Raza, who has been granted permission to continue his stint with Worcestershire in the Vitality Blast.
Raza’s absence leaves a notable void in the lineup. The experienced campaigner has been a key contributor across formats, playing a pivotal role in Zimbabwe’s Test comeback and their successful tour of Bangladesh in 2025. His county commitments mean he will miss the red-ball encounter, giving others a chance to step up.
Left-arm fast bowler Richard Ngarava will captain Zimbabwe in Test cricket for the first time. He earned the role after a standout performance in the victory over Afghanistan, where he took a five-wicket haul. The match also adds another chapter to the growing rivalry between the two sides; Zimbabwe stunned Bangladesh in a two-Test series in 2025, winning 1-0.