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STILL smarting from a series humiliation at the hands of minnows Afghanistan, the Chevrons are on their way to Bangladesh, having made four changes to the national cricket side, for a limited overs series.
Regis Chakabva and Malcolm Waller, who both scored back-to-back centuries in Zimbabwe A’s four-day game against Ireland recently, and Graeme Cremer, who has recovered from an ankle injury sustained in an ODI against Ireland, will join the Chevrons for the sub-continent tour.
Brian Chari, Kevin Kasuza, Tinotenda Mutombodzi and Christopher Mpofu have been relegated to the Zimbabwe A side that is set to take on Bangladesh A in a home series.
In Bangladesh Zimbabwe will take on the hosts in three ODIs and two T20Is, the first one set for November 7, the second two days later while the third and final ODI has been set for the 11th.
The two T20s have been scheduled for November 13 and 15.
Given their performance over Afghanistan over the past two weeks, Bangladesh will definitely be a tall order for Zimbabwe as the Tigers have been on a prowl, dominating cricket giants like South Africa, India and Pakistan.
Zimbabwe Cricket convener of selectors, Kenyon Ziehl, says Zimbabwe will have to come out of the embarrassment shell and pull their best act.
“The agenda is to (try) and show the world that we are a competitive side, not taking anything away from Afghanistan but they played some good cricket and credit to them.
“We have picked a senior national squad that we believe will quickly recover from the disappointing series against Afghanistan and go to Bangladesh to show that we are a competitive nation.
“We have recalled Chakabva on the back of his strong performances for the A side against Ireland recently, as well as Cremer who has been declared fit to play.
“The team leaves on Sunday (tomorrow) and we have to recover from the poor performance.
“It was very disappointing that we lost to Afghanistan in that manner as we went on to lose both the ODI and T20 series but we have to pick ourselves up when we go to Bangladesh,” said Ziehl.
While the senior side travels to Bangladesh, Zimbabwe A will also be in action against Bangladesh A at Queens Sports Club starting on Monday where the two sides will face each other in a string of unofficial ODIs and two four-day games.
“It’s also exciting to have the A side playing concurrently with the senior team as this will give us a clear picture of our depth.
“We hope the players included will make the most of this opportunity to play against a Bangladesh A which will be a quality side,” said Ziehl.
Eagles captain Tinotenda Mutombodzi will lead Zimbabwe A for the one-day games while Matabeleland Tuskers captain Godwill Mamhiyo will be in charge in the four day games.
“Bangladesh arrived today (yesterday) and our A side has to prepare well, there are a lot of fringe players and it’s an exciting opportunity for them to show what they can do.
“If they perform well they obviously stand a chance to be selected for the senior national side.”
Squads
Zimbabwe: Elton Chigumbura (Captain) , Sikandar Raza Butt, Regis Chakabva, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Tendai Chisoro, Graeme Cremer, Craig Ervine, Luke Jongwe, Neville Madziva, Wellington Masakadza, Richmond Mutumbami, Taurai Muzarabani, John Nyumbu, Tinashe Panyangara, Malcolm Waller, Sean Williams.
Zimbabwe A
One-Dayers: Ryan Burl, Brian Chari, Trevor Garwe, Kevin Kasuza, Godwill Mamhiyo (vice-captain), Prince Masvaure, Peter Moor, Tapiwa Mufudza, Tinotenda Mutombodzi (captain), Natsai M’shangwe, Christopher Mpofu, Victor Nyauchi, Kudzai Sauramba (wicket-keeper), Donald Tiripano, Brian Vitori
4-Day games: Brian Chari, Trevor Garwe, Joylord Gumbie (w/c), Roy Kaia, Godwill Mamhiyo (captain) Hamilton Masakadza, Prince Masvaure, Peter Moor, Tapiwa Mufudza, Tinotenda Mutombodzi (vice-captain), Natsai M’shangwe, Vusumuzi Sibanda, Victor Nyauchi, Donald Tiripano, Brian Vitori.
Online Reporter