Bulawayo is set to take centre stage in international cricket when Queens Sports Club hosts Zimbabwe’s three-match T20 International series against Bangladesh, with the city preparing to welcome the return of the Chevrons after their historic ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign.
The matches, scheduled for July 15, 17 and 19, will bring top-level international cricket back to Zimbabwe’s second-largest city as the Chevrons continue building on the momentum generated from their memorable World Cup performance.
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has named a 15-member squad for the series, retaining the core group that powered the team to the Super Eight stage of the global tournament, with young fast bowler Newman Nyamhuri and batter Milton Shumba the only new additions.
The Bulawayo fixtures are expected to provide a major boost for the city’s sporting calendar, with Queens Sports Club once again serving as a key venue for international cricket.
The Chevrons return to action after a landmark World Cup campaign in which they topped their first-round group unbeaten and secured famous victories over cricket giants Australia and Sri Lanka.
Experienced all-rounder Sikandar Raza will continue leading the side as Zimbabwe look to maintain their upward trajectory in the shortest format of the game.
Nyamhuri, who is yet to make his T20 International debut, earns a place in the squad after impressive performances across formats, while Shumba returns to the T20I setup for the first time since his appearance against the Netherlands at the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia.
Ben Curran, who joined the World Cup squad as an injury replacement for Brendan Taylor, has also retained his place and could make his T20I debut alongside Nyamhuri during the Bulawayo series.
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The squad, however, will be without Graeme Cremer, who has been ruled out due to a left-arm fracture, while Taylor and Tony Munyonga miss out after being part of the World Cup setup.
ZC convener of selectors David Mutendera said continuity had been central to the selection process, while ensuring opportunities were created for players who had earned their place.
“With the momentum from the World Cup behind us, we felt it was important to maintain the core of the team while also rewarding players who have shown promise and consistency,” Mutendera said.
For Bulawayo, the series represents another opportunity to cement its status as one of Zimbabwe’s premier cricket destinations, with Queens Sports Club continuing its long tradition of hosting international matches.
The historic venue, known for its passionate cricket following and rich sporting heritage, will be hoping for strong crowds as Zimbabwe and Bangladesh battle it out under the winter Bulawayo skies.
The series will also provide the Chevrons with valuable preparation as they continue their rebuilding journey and seek to establish themselves as a competitive force in international T20 cricket.
