Brian Bennett Nears 2,000 T20I Runs for Zimbabwe with 10 Runs Remaining Zimbabwe cricket star Brian Bennett is on the verge of achieving a historic milestone in Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket, standing just 10 runs away from becoming the third Zimbabwean player to surpass 2,000 runs in the format. The 22-year-old batter has amassed 1,990 runs in 62 T20I matches, maintaining an impressive average of 35.53 and a strike rate of 143.37. His career highlights include a single century, 12 half-centuries, and a highest score of 111. Bennett’s upcoming match against India in Harare on Saturday presents a crucial opportunity to secure this landmark achievement. In the first T20I of the two-match series against India, Bennett was dismissed without scoring, leaving him with a narrow gap to reach the 2,000-run mark. His performance against India has been notable, with 168 runs scored in seven innings at an average of 28.00 and a strike rate exceeding 151. A standout moment came during this year’s ICC T20 World Cup, where he scored an unbeaten 97, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure. Bennett’s pursuit of the milestone places him in an elite group of Zimbabwean cricketers. Fellow countrymen Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl have already achieved the feat, with Raza accumulating 3,144 runs in 137 matches at an average of 26.20 and a strike rate of 137.05. Raza’s record includes one century and 17 half-centuries. Burl, meanwhile, has compiled 2,040 runs in 122 matches, averaging 26.40 with a strike rate of 124.01 and four half-centuries. Bennett’s potential success would mark a significant moment for Zimbabwean cricket, highlighting the nation’s growing presence in T20I cricket.#india #icc_t20_world_cup #zimbabwe #sikandar_razza #brian_bennett
Zimbabwe Seek to Continue Strong Form Against Under-Staffed Bangladesh in T20I Series Opener Zimbabwe will look to build on their recent successes against Australia and Sri Lanka in the 2026 T20 World Cup, where they advanced to the Super Eight stage, as they face Bangladesh in the opening match of a three-game T20I series. The first encounter will take place in Bulawayo on July 15, 2026, as part of Bangladesh’s tour of Zimbabwe. The hosts, led by Sikandar Raza, aim to capitalize on their strong form in the tournament and their previous series victory over Bangladesh in the ODI format. Bangladesh, however, will be significantly weakened for the series. The team has lost key players to the Lanka Premier League, including Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, and Hasan Mahmud, who were granted NOCs to participate in the tournament. Additionally, fast-bowling all-rounder Mustafizur Rahman has been ruled out for four weeks due to a grade 1 hamstring tear and meniscal degeneration in his right knee sustained during the ODI series. This absence leaves Bangladesh with a depleted pace attack, making their challenge against a high-flying Zimbabwe side even steeper. Zimbabwe’s squad includes several players with recent form, such as Brian Bennett, who has been in excellent shape after a standout T20 World Cup campaign. Bennett, who scored a half-century in the Test against Bangladesh, will be a key batsman for the hosts. His ability to adapt to different conditions and deliver match-winning performances makes him a crucial asset. Meanwhile, the team’s spin department, led by Raza, will look to exploit the low and slow pitch in Bulawayo, which is expected to favor the home side. For Bangladesh, Nahid Rana will take on a more prominent role as the team’s leading wicket-taker in the ODIs.#zimbabwe #bangladesh #litton_das #sikandar_razza #bulawayo
Zimbabwe Announce New Captaincy Structure for National Teams Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has finalized its leadership structure for the senior men's and women's national teams, appointing Richard Ngarava as captain for Test and One Day International (ODI) matches while Josephine Nkomo will lead the women's team. Sikandar Raza will continue as captain of the T20I side, maintaining his role as the shortest-format leader. The changes mark a strategic shift for the national teams, with the men's side aiming to build on recent international progress and the women's team set to compete in its first-ever ICC Women's Championship campaign. Ngarava, who took charge of the men's team for the first time in a recent one-off Test against Bangladesh at Harare Sports Club, will oversee the red and white-ball formats. His appointment follows his successful leadership in that match, which highlighted his ability to guide the team in longer formats. Raza, an experienced all-rounder, remains the T20I captain, having established himself as a key figure in the squad's leadership hierarchy. Brian Bennett has been named Test vice-captain, while Raza will serve as ODI vice-captain. Ngarava will also act as T20I vice-captain, ensuring continuity in leadership across all formats. For the women's team, Josephine Nkomo, an experienced all-rounder, has been confirmed as captain. Her deputy will be left-arm seamer Nomvelo Sibanda, who will support her in leading the squad through the ICC Women's Championship. The reshuffle comes at a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe cricket, with the women's team entering a new era of international competition and the men's side seeking to capitalize on recent successes.#sikandar_razza #zimbabwe_cricket #richard_ngarava #josephine_nkomo #tavengwa_mukuhlani
LAH vs HYK Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Tips Pakistan Super League (PSL) fans are set for an exciting match between Lahore Qalandars and Kingsmen on March 26, 2026, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The game, scheduled for 19:00 PKT (19:30 IST), will feature a flat batting track with light conditions, though dew is expected to play a significant role in the second innings. Rain is not anticipated, ensuring a full 40-over contest. Live streaming options include FanCode (India) and Tamasha/PTV Sports (Pakistan), though streaming has been temporarily suspended in some regions. The pitch is expected to favor batters, particularly in the second innings due to heavy dew, while pacers are likely to dominate early overs. The average first-innings score is around 155, but the second team could capitalize on favorable conditions. Lahore Qalandars enter the match as strong favorites, bolstered by their recent winning streak and home advantage. Kingsmen, a new team in the season, aim to establish their presence. Key players to watch include Sikandar Raza, Saim Ayub, and Shahien Shah Afridi, who have shown consistent performance in recent matches. Injuries have affected the Kingsmen squad, with Ottneil Baartman, Dasun Shanaka, and Gudakesh Motie unavailable. Lahore Qalandars have no major doubts, with all players fully fit. The playing XI includes Sharjeel Khan, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Kusal Perera, Marnus Labuschagne, and fast bowlers like Hassan Khan and Maaz Sadaqat. Fantasy picks highlight Sikandar Raza as a must-have, averaging 112.6 points with 201 runs and 4 wickets in five matches. Saim Ayub, a reliable all-rounder, contributes 101.8 points on average.#gaddafi_stadium #lahore_qalandars #saim_ayub #sikandar_razza #kingsmen
Shaheen Afridi hosts star-studded iftar dinner in Islamabad Lahore Qalandars skipper Shaheen Afridi organized a casual iftar gathering at his Islamabad home, bringing together team players, management, and key Pakistan Super League officials. The event provided an opportunity for the squad to unwind after a three-day conditioning camp in the city, while also celebrating the team’s unity and shared experiences. The gathering featured the presence of Lahore Qalandars owner Thameen Rana, local players, and international stars like Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza. It served as a platform for players to engage socially, share stories about Ramadan traditions, and reflect on the team’s journey. Shaheen emphasized the significance of such moments, stating that the past four to five years have been a period of remarkable growth for the Lahore Qalandars. He highlighted the team’s progress both domestically and internationally, noting how these gatherings strengthen their collective spirit ahead of upcoming challenges. Despite intermittent rain disrupting the final day of the Islamabad camp, players remained focused, maintaining peak physical condition as they prepare for the PSL season. The team is set to relocate to Lahore on March 23, continuing their pre-season preparations. The iftar event underscored the importance of off-field bonding, reinforcing the blend of talent, strategy, and camaraderie that defines the squad. With Afridi leading, the Lahore Qalandars aim to sustain their momentum as the PSL approaches, balancing competitive intensity with cultural celebration.#lahore_qalandars #shaheen_afridi #sikandar_razza #thameen_rana #islamabad
Sikandar Raza delivers standout performance in T20 World Cup finale Sikandar Raza showcased his all-round prowess in a dramatic T20 World Cup match, steering Zimbabwe to a valiant effort against South Africa despite the odds. Coming into the game with his team in dire straits at 28 for 2, Raza’s fearless batting and sharp bowling became pivotal in a thrilling encounter. His innings, marked by calculated aggression and composure, helped Zimbabwe push their chances, even as South Africa’s pace attack threatened to dismantle their hopes. Raza’s batting innings was a masterclass in resilience. Facing a barrage of fast deliveries, he countered with a mix of power and precision, hitting key boundaries to keep his team in the game. His fifty came off just 29 balls, a testament to his ability to adapt and thrive under pressure. Despite a costly edge that led to his dismissal, Raza’s determination never wavered. His ability to read the slower deliveries from South Africa’s bowlers and his quick reflexes against the short ball highlighted his experience and composure. The match also saw Raza’s bowling shine. After a challenging start, he took the wicket of South Africa’s key batter Dewald Brevis with a sharp delivery that caught the edge, sending the crowd into a frenzy. His ability to maintain control and deliver crucial breakthroughs underscored his value as a match-winner. Raza’s performance earned him the Player-of-the-Match award, a fitting recognition for his all-round contributions. Raza’s impact extended beyond his individual stats. His efforts helped Zimbabwe secure a platform to compete with a formidable South African side, even as the tournament progressed to its final stages. His coach, Justin Sammons, praised Raza for “saving his best for last,” a sentiment echoed by his teammates and fans.#south_africa #t20_world_cup #zimbabwe #sikandar_razza #dewald_brevis
