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COLOMBO: Zimbabwe have suffered a major setback in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign after veteran wicketkeeper-batter Brendan Taylor was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament with a hamstring injury.
The development was confirmed by Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza at the toss ahead of their ongoing fixture against the Australia national cricket team in Colombo on Friday.
Taylor, 40, sustained the injury during Zimbabwe’s opening match of the tournament against Oman.
He was forced to retire hurt after scoring 31 off 30 deliveries, having earlier contributed behind the stumps with three catches.
Team management had monitored his recovery closely, hoping he would regain fitness for the latter stages, but the experienced batter has now been officially ruled out.
Zimbabwe are yet to announce a replacement, although a decision is expected soon with at least two group matches still to play in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
In Taylor’s absence, Tadiwanashe Marumani has taken over wicketkeeping duties against Australia, while all-rounder Tony Munyonga has been drafted into the playing XI.
Taylor’s latest setback comes months after his return to international cricket in July 2025, following a three-and-a-half-year suspension for breaching the ICC’s anti-corruption code.
Since completing his ban, he featured in two Tests, two ODIs and 14 T20Is for Zimbabwe, scoring 282 runs, including a memorable 123 against Botswana in a T20 World Cup qualifying match last year.
Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Bradley Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Brendan Taylor
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