Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan | Only Test October 2025 | Harare

[Googly]

I rate Musekiwa at least in the T20 format. If/when Maru fails again against quality opposition in the T20s, I would like to see Musekiwa tried as an opener even before Curran. He is a very clean striker of the ball and could be a real handful in the opening power play if he gets going.

I'd like to see that too. In fact Musekiwa, Madhevere, Munyonga and Madande as our front 4 in T20. They've been bigged up for a long time. We gotta stop hiding these guys, it would be a very worthwhile exercise.

[Googly]

Zimbabwe being Zimbabwe, a lot can happen between now and the next Test, retirements, scandals, fallouts, even drug issues. I just wish we could face Ireland again soon, then Bangladesh, it would feel like coming full circle.

What a performance, though! This was one of the strongest lineups we’ve seen in a while, and I’m sure even the players on the sidelines would agree. Once a team matures and builds this kind of chemistry, that’s when you introduce a promising youngster, someone who can learn and grow within a solid setup. That’s how teams like Australia and India did it, easing in players like Clarke, Ponting, and Kohli gradually, not overburdening them from the start.

Unfortunately, ZC often does the opposite, expecting someone like Wes to carry the team before he’s even had the time to find his feet.

Credit where it’s due, though, social media pressure clearly forced ZC’s hand in selection this time. Let’s hope that continues across all formats.

They're going to have to introduce 4 promising "youngsters" when Ervine, Raza, Taylor and Williams retire
The only way to stretch it out is to put them on IV Viagra drips before every game.

[Googly]

Its not going to continue across all formats. We've qualified and the sigh of relief is audible. Weve now got 2 years to get mediocre players up to speed in white ball (not going to work) I dont include Myers and Marumani in that statement. They're good players.

[Irwin Goodman]

WHAT A WIN!! Makorokoto Zimbabwe!!
I'm still over the moon. Was expecting a victory, but they've absolutely bullied them for the past three days, which is a rare moment for Zimbabwe, especially in red-ball cricket.

The only disappointment I had was Maposa not playing. I’ve never seen Richard Ngarava so accurate with his line and length (in the 2nd innings). He’s usually more dangerous in the second innings when it comes to Tests, but that was another level! This man has impressed me more than I could have ever expected.

Looking back at 2018–2020, I used to be anxious and even disappointed before began his spell. Little did I know he’d become one of my favourite bowlers of this era.

Everyone contributed well and kept it tight till the end, hence Zim did to their opponents what S.A and N.Z did to Zim not too long a ago. I hope that’s a statement, and that Zimbabwe will start climbing up the ranks. I strongly believe that regular, competitive matches along with good management (notably proper selection), will help us avoid embarrassing performances more often.

I was hoping this game wouldn’t last five days, and thankfully that was the case, our main seamers especially now get a few extra days to rest.

Even if we only got two Test victories this year, they’ll definitely be memorable ones for me: one a thriller, and the other total domination.

[ZIMDOGGY]

Zimbabwe being Zimbabwe, a lot can happen between now and the next Test, retirements, scandals, fallouts, even drug issues. I just wish we could face Ireland again soon, then Bangladesh, it would feel like coming full circle.

What a performance, though! This was one of the strongest lineups we’ve seen in a while, and I’m sure even the players on the sidelines would agree. Once a team matures and builds this kind of chemistry, that’s when you introduce a promising youngster, someone who can learn and grow within a solid setup. That’s how teams like Australia and India did it, easing in players like Clarke, Ponting, and Kohli gradually, not overburdening them from the start.

Unfortunately, ZC often does the opposite, expecting someone like Wes to carry the team before he’s even had the time to find his feet.

Credit where it’s due, though, social media pressure clearly forced ZC’s hand in selection this time. Let’s hope that continues across all formats.

They're going to have to introduce 4 promising "youngsters" when Ervine, Raza, Taylor and Williams retire
The only way to stretch it out is to put them on IV Viagra drips before every game.

I am suspecting they wont all retire at once. They will try and keep two for another year, but maybe only able to keep one going.
I have been thinking about our batting line up when that day comes. Depth will be severely tested but there is some hope.

1 Hbalangwa
2 Curran
3 Naqvi
4 Bennett
5 Welch
6 Wes/Myers
7 Schadendorf (?)

I'd also like to thik they entice at least one decent player like a Tom curran or Higgins back as well.

Whatsmore, we always seem to pull someone out of the hat that comes relatively good, so maybe we see a Ronak Patel, Ballance again, or your mate Byrom.

The lineup will lack that Sean Williams superstar edge but thats for zc to figure out.

[andrea lanzoni]

I am suspecting they wont all retire at once. They will try and keep two for another year, but maybe only able to keep one going.
I have been thinking about our batting line up when that day comes. Depth will be severely tested but there is some hope.

1 Hbalangwa
2 Curran
3 Naqvi
4 Bennett
5 Welch
6 Wes/Myers
7 Schadendorf (?)

I'd also like to thik they entice at least one decent player like a Tom curran or Higgins back as well.

Whatsmore, we always seem to pull someone out of the hat that comes relatively good, so maybe we see a Ronak Patel, Ballance again, or your mate Byrom.

The lineup will lack that Sean Williams superstar edge but thats for zc to figure out.

Tom Curran, Ballance, Byrom.

They would be a great boost. How real could be chances for any of them to play for Zimbabwe?

[tej_27]

For the upcoming T20 I would like to see the below squad . Assuming naqvi is also eligible
Bennet
Maru
BT
Naqvi
Raza
Burl
Musekiwa
Evans
Cremer
Ngarava
Muza
Rest 5 players should be
Myers
Mazakadza
Maposa
Munyonga
Any random player who is available

[ZIMDOGGY]

I am suspecting they wont all retire at once. They will try and keep two for another year, but maybe only able to keep one going.
I have been thinking about our batting line up when that day comes. Depth will be severely tested but there is some hope.

1 Hbalangwa
2 Curran
3 Naqvi
4 Bennett
5 Welch
6 Wes/Myers
7 Schadendorf (?)

I'd also like to thik they entice at least one decent player like a Tom curran or Higgins back as well.

Whatsmore, we always seem to pull someone out of the hat that comes relatively good, so maybe we see a Ronak Patel, Ballance again, or your mate Byrom.

The lineup will lack that Sean Williams superstar edge but thats for zc to figure out.

Tom Curran, Ballance, Byrom.

They would be a great boost. How real could be chances for any of them to play for Zimbabwe?

Tom curran - I am sure he is envious of the accolades and trajectory of his younger and more fabulousssss brother. There is a real need and he is likely cooked as an international since he hasn't played in 5 years. He is also the most African of the 3 in terms of where he grew up. Just whether he would give up a county deal, but you can maybe take these risks to play the 2031 WC. He may also still get a county international deal since some teams are money restricted. It is up to ZC.

Ballance - why not? he has been involved in the setup this year as an advisor. ZC also played it slick when he 'retired' because as rumour has it, this has sidestepped the scandal that was headed his way. History shows he just retired.

Byrom Fringe county player that grew up and was raised in Zim and repp'ed at under 19 level. This ones up to ZC. Let's face it he has all but ceiling'ed his career at County. Everyone was saying he was extremely lucky to get a new 2 year deal. I don't think that he will be so lucky next time without marked improvement. He is basically another Ben curran. A fringe county player that may develop and flourish in a different setup.

[Pat_Bee]

How does it work for Curran? Obviously been long enough since playing for England that there’s no issue there.

Does he have to do any kind of residency or anything or just turn up and start playing? Obviously he’ll need to do 50 seasons of Logan cup first, that’s a given

Ballance.

Eddie byrom has been lucky getting a contract extension, been a 2nd XI player this season.

[secretzimbo]

He’s eligible for a Zim passport by descent, so should be straightforward.

Same process Ben went through two years ago.