Zimbabwe Cricket Targets More Tests Against Top Nations Despite Poor Results

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) chairperson Tavengwa Mukuhlani says the organisation is deliberately pushing for more fixtures against the world’s leading cricket nations as part of a broader plan to rebuild and strengthen the national team.

The Chevrons have endured a tough run across formats, with heavy defeats highlighting the gulf between them and higher-ranked opponents. Despite the setbacks, Mukuhlani insists that the strategy is aimed at long-term growth rather than immediate victories.

This year, Zimbabwe is scheduled to play 11 Test matches a sharp increase from an average of just three per year over the past decade. Their opponents include world champions South Africa, England, and New Zealand. But so far, the Chevrons have found the going tough, suffering four innings defeats and two losses by margins exceeding 300 runs.

Mukuhlani defended the move, explaining that while Zimbabwe could have opted to face relatively lower-ranked sides such as Bangladesh, Afghanistan, or Ireland to secure easier wins, that would not accelerate the development of local players.

“We could have chosen fixtures that guarantee us victories, but without real progress. Instead, we decided to challenge ourselves by playing the stronger sides. Yes, the results are not good at the moment, but we expected that. This is a transition period the team needed exposure and game time at the highest level. Over time, the results will come,” he said.

Since their return to Test cricket in 2011 after a voluntary absence, Zimbabwe has featured in only 40 Tests in 14 years, averaging fewer than three per year.

In contrast, 2025 will see them play as many Tests as Australia (11), ahead of India and England (10 each), South Africa (8), and Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand (5 each).

In limited-overs cricket, Zimbabwe will host Sri Lanka later this month for two ODIs and three T20 internationals at Harare Sports Club, beginning on August 26.