Zimbabwe names 15-member squad for upcoming tri-nation series

With the dawn of new year, Zimbabwe get another chance of improving their International Cricket Council (ICC) ODI rankings with the upcoming tri-nation series comprising hosts Bangladesh and subcontinent neighbours Sri Lanka. Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) earlier today announced its 15-member squad for the series.

The squad sees the return of veterans Brendan Taylor and Kyle Jarvis to ODI colours, for the first time since they went on the Kolpak route, having signed their contracts with Nottinghamshire and Lancashire, in 2015 and 2013 respectively. While the premier all-rounder will lend much-needed stability to Zimbabwe’s middle order, Jarvis’s ability to move the new ball will bring in variety to the attack.

The Zimbabwe cricket team will also bear a fresh look with two players set to receive their maiden international call-ups. 20-year-old leg-spin bowling all-rounder Brandon Mavuta and 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Ryan Murray could well be making their debut in the upcoming tri-series. The duo come through the ranks of Tatenda Taibu’s initiative, Zimbabwe Academy that aims to groom young cricketers with an annual winter camp in England. Mavuta has just one List A match experience, while Murray has played two.

Dynamic all-rounder Solomon Mire, who shone in the five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, will be expected to do the job again. The opening batsman and a medium pacer holds an impeccable record against the Islander and will aim to do an encore. The team will also have the likes of seasoned campaigners in Hamilton Masakadza, Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza who are all capable of contributing in both the departments.

Blessing Muzarabani recently made his international debut in the pink ball Test against South Africa, and having been named in the ODI squad for the triangular series, will be expected to showcase his skills.

The triangular series which features Bangladesh and Sri Lanka as the two others teams will start on January 15.

Zimbabwe Squad:

Hamilton Masakadza, Solomon Mire, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor, Sikandar Raza, Peter Moor, Malcolm Waller, Graeme Cremer (C), Ryan Murray (wk), Tendai Chisoro, Brandon Mavuta, Blessing Muzarabani, Christopher Mpofu, Tendai Chatara, Kyle Jarvis