Photo: Collected
An ODI tri-nation series involving Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe is set to begin on the 17th of this month. Zimbabwe have announced a 15-member squad for the series. Regular captain Richard Ngarava is not in the squad; so experienced all-rounder Sikandar Raza will lead the side.
Ngarava last led Zimbabwe in the ODI series against Bangladesh in July. He could not, however, play the third match because of a back injury, and Raza was given the responsibility in his place then. Raza was also the captain in the most recent Australia series because of Ngarava’s injury.
Ngarava has not yet fully recovered, so he will not be playing in the upcoming ODI series either. In his absence, Raza will handle the responsibility of leading the team on the tour of the United Arab Emirates. After the tri-nation ODI series, Zimbabwe will play three T20Is and two Tests against Afghanistan. The country has also announced the squad for the T20I series.
There are two new faces in the squads for both formats: wicketkeeper-batter Tafadzwa Tsiga and leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa. Their performances in domestic cricket have earned them a place in the white-ball squads, as a reward.
Graeme Cremer has, however, been dropped from the ODI squad. The cricketer had returned to ODIs after a long eight and a half years, but could not hold on to his place. He played in only one of the three matches of the series against Australia last month.
Innocent Kaia has not been kept in the ODI squad either. He had to leave the field with a thigh injury in the last match of the series against Australia. Zimbabwe hope he will recover before the T20I series.
In batting, Zimbabwe are relying on the experience of Raza, Craig Ervine and Brendan Taylor. Blessing Muzarabani will lead the bowling attack, partnered by Brad Evans. However, Kundai Matigimu will play in place of Evans in the third T20I against Afghanistan.
Zimbabwe’s ODI squad for the tri-nation series: Sikandar Raza (captain), Ben Curran, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Brendan Taylor, Brian Bennett, Craig Ervine, Ernest Masuku, Newman Nyamhuri, Ryan Burl, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza and Wesley Madhevere.
Zimbabwe’s T20I squad against Afghanistan: Sikandar Raza (captain), Ben Curran, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Brian Bennett, Innocent Kaia, Kundai Matigimu, Newman Nyamhuri, Ryan Burl, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza and Wesley Madhevere.
