ZIM vs BAN 2025: Zimbabwe have bolstered their Test squad with the return of two seasoned campaigners, Sean Williams and Craig Ervine, for their upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The pair were absent from Zimbabwe’s most recent red-ball assignment against Ireland in February, but will now provide critical experience in what promises to be a challenging subcontinental tour.
Veteran Duo Back in the Fold
Captain Craig Ervine, who had pulled out at the last moment from the Ireland series due to a personal emergency, is set to lead the side once again. His comeback will be a stabilizing factor for Zimbabwe’s top-order batting. All-rounder Sean Williams, meanwhile, makes his return after recovering from a back injury, bringing both leadership and depth to the middle order.
Their inclusion is a major boost to Zimbabwe’s hopes, particularly given their inexperience in overseas conditions and the formidable record Bangladesh hold at home.
Key Changes to the Squad
Zimbabwe’s selectors have made three changes to the squad that was originally named for the Ireland Tests. Wicketkeeper-batter Tafadzwa Tsiga makes a return to the national setup two years after debuting against West Indies. He replaces Joylord Gumbie behind the stumps.
Wellington Masakadza, who has featured in just three Tests to date, is back in place of Newman Nyamhuri, bringing a left-arm spin option to Zimbabwe’s attack. The selectors have, however, opted to persist with Wessly Madhevere, who was a late inclusion in the Ireland series to cover for Ervine.
Notably, top-order batter Takudzwanashe Kaitano has been omitted, despite his potential as a red-ball opener.
Test Schedule and Venues
The two-Test series will be played in Bangladesh, marking Zimbabwe’s first Test tour of the country in over four years. The first Test will be held in Sylhet from April 20 to 24, followed by the second in Chattogram from April 28 to May 2.
Zimbabwe last played a Test in Bangladesh in February 2020, when the hosts comfortably defeated them by an innings and 106 runs in a one-off match in Dhaka.
Zimbabwe Squad for Bangladesh Tests:
Craig Ervine (captain)
Sean Williams
Brian Bennett
Johnathan Campbell
Ben Curran
Trevor Gwandu
Wessly Madhevere
Wellington Masakadza
Vincent Masekesa
Nyasha Mayavo
Blessing Muzarabani
Richard Ngarava
Victor Nyauchi
Tafadzwa Tsiga
Nicholas Welch
Zimbabwe will hope the return of their senior players injects much-needed experience and confidence into the side. With Ervine’s leadership and Williams’ all-round abilities, the African nation will look to make a stronger impression than in their last visit to Bangladesh.
This series also offers a golden opportunity for young talents like Ben Curran and Brian Bennett to learn and contribute in challenging away conditions, as Zimbabwe continues its red-ball rebuild.
