Zimbabwe have named Sikandar Raza as captain for their upcoming ODI tri-series against Afghanistan and Bangladesh in the UAE, with fast bowler Richard Ngarava missing out due to a back injury.
The tri-series will begin on October 17. Zimbabwe will then remain in the UAE to face Afghanistan in three T20Is and two Tests.
Ngarava is still recovering from a back injury he suffered during Zimbabwe’s recent ODI series against Australia. His absence has opened the door for other players in the squad.
Zimbabwe have included two possible debutants in their ODI squad. Wicketkeeper batter Tafadzwa Tsiga and legspinner Vincent Masekesa have both earned places following strong performances in domestic cricket.
Tsiga has scored three centuries in first class cricket this year and has also represented Zimbabwe in Test cricket.
Masekesa impressed in the Logan Cup, where he finished as the joint highest wicket taker for the Mountaineers. He claimed 25 wickets at an average of 29.92.
He also took nine wickets in a match against Bangladesh Emerging Team in Sylhet, further strengthening his case for selection.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe have left out Graeme Cremer from the ODI squad. The experienced spinner returned to international cricket during the recent series against Australia after more than eight years away.
Cremer played three matches in that series before suffering a thigh injury in the final ODI. Zimbabwe expect him to recover in time for the T20I series against Afghanistan, which begins on October 27.
Zimbabwe will rely on experienced players in both batting and bowling during the upcoming matches.
Raza, Craig Ervine and Brendan Taylor will provide experience in the batting department, while Blessing Muzarabani will lead the pace attack.
Brad Evans has earned a place in both squads for his all round ability. However, Zimbabwe have replaced him with Kundai Matigimu for the final T20I against Afghanistan.
Zimbabwe will hope their experienced players and new faces can deliver strong performances as they prepare for a busy period of international cricket in the UAE.
Zimbabwe ODI squad
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, Wessly Madhevere.
Zimbabwe T20I squad
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, Wessly Madhevere.
