Zimbabwe Bolster Technical Team as Quinton Friend Joins Camp Ahead of Bangladesh Series

Zimbabwe Cricket has moved to strengthen the national team’s preparations for the upcoming Bangladesh tour after appointing experienced South African coach Quinton Friend as consultant bowling coach ahead of the highly anticipated multi-format series beginning in June.

Friend has already joined the Zimbabwe men’s squad at a training camp in Harare, where he is working alongside head coach Justin Sammons as the Chevrons intensify preparations for their first home international assignment of 2026.

The short-term appointment is part of Zimbabwe Cricket’s broader strategy to sharpen the team’s bowling department and maximise performance in familiar home conditions ahead of a demanding international schedule.

Currently serving as head coach of South Africa’s Dolphins franchise, Friend brings extensive domestic coaching expertise and is expected to focus primarily on pace bowling development, tactical execution and overall match readiness during his consultancy stint.

A former right-arm fast-medium bowler, Friend enjoyed a lengthy provincial playing career in South Africa, experience Zimbabwe Cricket hopes will add valuable technical depth and mentorship to the national setup.

Zimbabwe’s showdown against Bangladesh begins with a five-day Test match in Harare from June 28 to July 2, before the series shifts to One Day Internationals on July 6, 9 and 11.

The tour will conclude in Bulawayo, where both sides will face off in a three-match T20 International series scheduled for July 15, 17 and 19.

The Bangladesh series is expected to provide a major test for Zimbabwe across formats, with the coaching reinforcement seen as a strategic step towards improving competitiveness and consistency on home soil.

By Witness A Phiri