By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Harare – Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) Chairperson Tavengwa Mukuhlani says the national side’s bruising run against world cricket heavyweights is a deliberate long-term strategy aimed at raising standards, despite a string of heavy defeats.
The Chevrons have endured a difficult season across all formats, suffering crushing losses in the Test arena, including four innings defeats and two matches lost by margins exceeding 300 runs. But Mukuhlani insists the results were anticipated, as Zimbabwe pushes for more exposure against elite opposition.
“We could have chosen to continue playing Bangladesh, Ireland, and Afghanistan and post wins without much development to our players, or go all out to develop the team and play teams that are ranked higher than us,” Mukuhlani said.
“Yes, the results are not the best, but we anticipated that. We are in a transitional phase, the team lacked game time, and we are getting game time against the best. After a certain period, the results will come.”
This year Zimbabwe will play 11 Test matches the same number as cricket powerhouse Australia and more than traditional giants India and England, who each have 10. By comparison, Zimbabwe had averaged only three Tests per year over the past decade. Their opponents in 2025 include reigning world champions South Africa, New Zealand, and England.
The Chevrons’ expanded schedule comes after years of limited red-ball cricket, with the team managing just 40 Tests since returning from their self-imposed break in 2011.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe is preparing to host Sri Lanka in a limited-overs series starting 26 August at Harare Sports Club. The tour will feature two One Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals, giving the Chevrons another chance to test themselves against high-level opposition.