Rookies ushered into Zimbabwe cricket squad to face Ireland in ODI series
By Sports Reporter
Zimbabwe’s cricket team is set to give a handful young players a test of international competition when the Chevrons take on Ireland in an ODI series in Harare this Wednesday.
The three one-day international matches are taking place at Harare Sports Club starting this Wednesday.
The squad for this series features seven players who were not part of the team during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023 held in June-July, which marked Zimbabwe’s last 50-over format appearance.
Due to injuries, seasoned players such as captain Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, and Brad Evans will be conspicuous by their absence.
Surprisingly, the selectors have also chosen to omit Tendai Chatara, Wessly Madhevere, and Tadiwanashe Marumani.
Stepping onto the international stage for the first time, the new faces in the squad include Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Tanaka Chivanga, Faraz Akram, Brandon Mavuta, Milton Shumba, and Tony Munyonga.
Notably, apart from Sikandar Raza and Innocent Kaia, all the selected players are 30 years old or younger.
With Ervine absent, Raza will assume the captaincy, relying on the experience of Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Wellington Masakadza, and Ryan Burl to provide Zimbabwe with a competitive edge during the series against Ireland.
The three ODI matches are scheduled for December 13, 15, and 17 at Harare Sports Club, with each match commencing at 0915 hours local time.
Zimbabwe Squad for ODI Series versus Ireland:
– Raza Sikandar (captain)
– Akram Faraz
– Burl Ryan
– Chivanga Tanaka
– Gumbie Joylord
– Jongwe Luke
– Kaia Innocent
– Kaitano Takudzwanashe
– Kamunhukamwe Tinashe
– Madande Clive
– Masakadza Wellington
– Mavuta Brandon
– Munyonga Tony
– Muzarabani Blessing
– Ngarava Richard
– Shumba Milton
