Former Punjab Kings All-Rounder To Lead As Zimbabwe Name 16-Member Squad For Tri-Series Ft. South Africa, New Zealand
Zimbabwe named Sikandar Raza as captain of a 16-member squad for the upcoming T20I tri-series, featuring South Africa and New Zealand, scheduled to commence from July 14. Notably, Raza was dropped from the Test squad that played against reigning World Test Champions, South Africa, at home.
Left-arm pacer Richard Ngarava and all-rounder Brian Bennett have made their comebacks in the white-ball side after respective injuries. Ngarava was out of the action for a brief period due to a lower-back injury. Benette, who got hit on the head during the Test against South Africa, has received clearance from the board.
Sikandar Raza Named Captain, Zimbabwe Aims Smooth Transition
Raza has led Zimbabwe in 38 T20Is so far. As a captain, he has made 979 runs, including a hundred and six half-centuries. With the ball, he has taken 39 wickets at an average of 18.66 and 6.29 rpo. His best spell of 5/18 came against Rwanda.
Zimbabwe are aiming for a smooth transition, moving on from their two senior-most players, including Sean Williams and Craig Ervine. They have now included three uncapped players in the squad, looking at long-term goals. The wicketkeeper-batter Tafadzwa Tsiga, left-arm pacer Newman Nyamhuri, and legspinner Vincent Masekesa have earned their maiden call-ups.
Meanwhile, Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, and Tashinga Musekiwa have received the rewards of their previous outings, retaining their spots in the squad. They were the notable performers in their last T20I meeting with Ireland in February.
The tri-series will commence from July 14 to 26 at the Harare Sports Club, with each team taking on each other twice. The top two sides will play the final in July.
The hosts will play their campaign opener against South Africa on July 14. They will next take on New Zealand on July 18 and South Africa again on July 20. They will lock horns with New Zealand on July 24 in their last group stage game.
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Zimbabwe Squad for the T20I tri-series
Sikandar Raza (Captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, and Tafadzwa Tsiga.
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