Blessing Muzarabani ruled out of Pakistan T20I tri-series, Newman Nyamhuri named replacement

Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I tri-series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka due to a back injury. The 29-year-old pacer, who has been a key figure in Zimbabwe’s bowling attack, will miss the entire series as he continues his recovery.

In his absence, left-arm seamer Newman Nyamhuri, who is yet to make his T20I debut, has been named as his replacement. The selectors have otherwise retained the same squad that recently featured in the home T20I series against Afghanistan, which Zimbabwe lost 0-3.

The right-arm pacer, who had missed the final two T20Is of that series, managed to pick up 2 for 41 in the first match before being sidelined by the injury. His absence will be a major setback for Zimbabwe, given his experience and ability to extract bounce and movement on subcontinent pitches.

Nyamhuri, meanwhile, brings freshness to the side. The 19-year-old has represented Zimbabwe in four Tests and four ODIs since making his international debut in December 2024. Though part of Zimbabwe’s T20I squad for the tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand in July, he did not feature in any of the matches.

Led by Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe will open their tri-series campaign against hosts Pakistan in Rawalpindi on November 17, followed by their second fixture against Sri Lanka at the same venue on November 19.

The teams will then move to Lahore, where Zimbabwe are set to face Pakistan again on November 23 and Sri Lanka on November 25. The top two teams from the group stage will advance to the final on November 29, also scheduled to be played in Lahore.

Zimbabwe updated 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