Fresh faces abound in Zimbabwe squad for Ireland ODIs
Zimbabwe have included a number of new faces in their ODI squad for the upcoming series against Ireland. The Chevrons made seven changes to the side that featured in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023 in June, the last time the African side had featured in the ODI format.
Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza continued his stunning form at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023
Some of these, such as the absence of senior players like Craig Ervine and Sean Williams as well as Brad Evans, were necessitated by injuries. However, some other players like Tendai Chatara, Wessly Madhevere and Tadiwanashe Marumani have been dropped.
The new faces include Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Tanaka Chivanga, Faraz Akram, Brandon Mavuta, Milton Shumba and Tony Munyonga.
Apart from Sikandar Raza and Innocent Kaia, the remaining squad members are aged 30 or below. Raza will lead the side in absence of regular skipper Ervine.
Blessing Muzarabani making his mark for Zimbabwe | CWC23 Qualifier
Zimbabwe will hope for a turn of fortunes from their recent run. They failed to qualify for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 after being unable to secure a top-two finish in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Region Qualifier. This was followed by a 1-2 T20I series loss to Ireland at home.
ODI squad against Ireland: Sikandar Raza (c), Faraz Akram, Ryan Burl, Tanaka Chivanga, Joylord Gumbie, Luke Jongwe, Innocent Kaia, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Clive Madande, Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Milton Shumba
ODI Series Schedule*:
13 December, 1st ODI, Harare Sports Club
15 December, 2nd ODI, Harare Sports Club
17 December, 3rd ODI, Harare Sports Club
*All games start at 9:15 local time