Zimbabwe name new ODI captain ahead of Bangladesh series

Zimbabwe unveiled their new ODI captain as they announced the squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh. Richard Ngarava has been handed the leadership duties of the 50-over format and will captain the team for the first time in ODIs in the three-match rubber beginning on July 6.

He takes over the leadership from Craig Ervine, who guided the team to 12 victories out of 32 matches. Ngarava will also spearhead Zimbabwe's pace attack alongside Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri and Ernest Masuku. Fresh from scoring his maiden Test century in Zimbabwe's historic victory by an innings and 85 runs in the one-off Test over Bangladesh earlier this week, Innocent Kaia has earned a recall to the ODI squad.

He will be joining fellow top-order batters Ben Curran and Brian Bennett. The spin department features all-rounders Ryan Burl and Wessly Madhevere, with left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza adding variety to the bowling attack. Tadiwanashe Marumani and Clive Madande have been selected to don the wicketkeeping gloves.

Ngarava will also have the support of experienced campaigners in Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza as Zimbabwe look to carry their momentum into the 50-over format. It will be their first ODI assignment since August 2025, when they lost 0- 2 to Sri Lanka in a two-match series at Harare Sports Club.

Zimbabwe’s ODI squad against Bangladesh: Richard Ngarava (C), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Ben Curran, Craig Ervine, Brad Evans, Innocent Kaia, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Ernest Masuku, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza.