Zimbabwe Cricket announce Chevrons squads for Sri Lanka tour

ASHLEY DUBE

HARARE - Zimbabwe Cricket has announced the squads for the upcoming six-match white-ball series in Sri Lanka, comprising three One Day Internationals and three T20Is.

The ODIs will kick off first on January 6, 2024, while the T20 series is set to commence on January 14.

Excitingly, separate squads have been named for the two formats, signaling a strategic approach by Zimbabwe Cricket.

Notably, for the ODI team, Craig Ervine will make a return, leading the squad as captain following his absence in the recent home series against Ireland.

Additionally, uncapped 33-year-old off-spinner Tapiwa Mufudza has been awarded a well-deserved call-up, owing to his exceptional form in domestic cricket.

Mufudza emerged as the leading wicket-taker in both the National Premier League for Takashinga Patriots 1 and the Pro 50 Championship, showcasing his stellar performance. Joining the ODI squad is another domestic stalwart Faraz Akram, poised to make his One Day debut.

In the T20I series, the squad will see three changes, with Brian Bennett, Ainsley Ndlovu, and Carl Mumba stepping in to replace Kaitano, Mufudza, and Akram. The T20 team will be captained by the esteemed Sikandar Raza.

Furthermore, Sikandar Raza's remarkable achievements were celebrated as he was named in the ESPN Cricinfo team of the year.

Global superstar - Sikandar Raza named in ESPN Cricinfo's T20 Team of The Year

The recognition reflects his outstanding performance and consistency, particularly in the T20 format. His stellar numbers with bat and ball throughout the year reflected an impressive average of 51.5 with 515 runs, six half-centuries, and a top score of 82. Additionally, he clinched 17 wickets in 12 innings at an average of 14.9.

Zimbabwe Squad for ODI Series versus Sri Lanka

- Ervine Craig (captain)

- Akram Faraz

- Burl Ryan

- Gumbie Joylord

- Jongwe Luke

- Kaitano Takudzwanashe

- Kamunhukamwe Tinashe

- Madande Clive

- Masakadza Wellington

- Mufudza Tapiwa

- Munyonga Tony