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Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Cricket convener of selectors Kenyon Ziehl says the national team will not take minnows Afghanistan lightly when the two sides clash in the opening match of the One-Day International Series at Queens Sports Club today.
The Chevrons, who are in high spirits following the 2-1 series win over Ireland this week, are set to engage the Afghans in five ODIs and two Twenty20 internationals in Bulawayo.
ZC yesterday announced a squad which has a heavy mix of young and inexperienced players who have been given the thumbs-up following the failure by some senior players to perform consistently in recent outings.
The selectors have been bold in their decision-making in recent times by bringing in youngsters and fringe players into the team at the expense of the under-performing old guard.
There will be no Hamilton Masakadza, Malcom Waller and Vusi Sibanda in the team to face Afghanistan but the likes of Luke Jongwe, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Brian Chari, Neville Madziva, Wellington Masakadza have been given another run with the team after showing positive signs.
Uncapped Mid-West Rhinos left armer Tendai Chisoro was also rewarded for his good performances during the warm-up games against the Afghans this week in Bulawayo.
“The youngsters have shown some promise and I am sure they are going to learn more by being in the middle.
“They have a couple of games coming up and hopefully they will use the opportunity to gain some valuable experiences. It’s important they don’t do some of those too basic mistakes,” said Ziehl.
Ziehl said Zimbabwe’s series win over Ireland should give them the impetus going forward as they need to improve on the ODI rankings.
The Chevrons swapped places with Ireland as they reclaimed their spot in the top 10 following the recent series success.
Although they look firm favourites, Ziehl warned that they can only underrate Afghanistan at their own peril as the Associate nation has been making strides in recent years.
The Afghans shocked Zimbabwe last year when they earned a 2-2 draw in the ODI series and also drew 1-1 in the four-day games.
“We know what happened the last time they toured. So, just like the previous series against Ireland, we are going out for a win. We are not taking Afghanistan lightly and our players certainly cannot underrate them because they have a really competitive side.
“They have had some good practice games under the conditions in Bulawayo and I’m sure they are ready for the series,” said Ziehl.
Given the significance of the points at stake which contribute to the International Cricket Council ODI rankings, Zimbabwe will be looking to strong performances especially from their established players like Chamu Chibhabha, Sikandar Raza Butt, Craig Ervine, Sean Williams and skipper Elton Chigumbura.
“We had rested some of the players in the third ODI against Ireland because we wanted them to be strong and fit for the Afghanistan tour. The senior players have a bit of a responsibility to lift the team and we expect them to be at their best.
“We are pushing to move up the rankings. I’m glad we are back ahead of Ireland on the ICC rankings but we should do more to go up,” said Ziehl.
Contrastingly, Afghanistan will be looking to build on their historical ICC Cricket World Cup qualification, and they will have their tails up given their success against a Zimbabwe Chairman’s XI in the warm-up matches.
Among the Afghan players to look out for will be their wicketkeeper/batsman Mohammad Shahzad who showed good form in the tour matches against the Zimbabwe Chairman’s XI with scores of 72 and 31 runs.
They also look up to Nawroz Mangal and Asghar Stanikzai to fire with the bat and hope that Samiullah Shenwari, who has looked out of touch in the practice games, finds form soon.
Bowling wise, Mohammad Nabi, Dawlat Zadran and Amir Hamza could play an important role.
The visitors will also have former Pakistan batting great Inzaman ul Haq as coach and his experience as a player will be a key addition to the Afghan change room.
The second match will be played on Sunday at the same venue.
Online Reporter