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MOUNTAINEERS captain Tinotenda Mawoyo and Stuart Matsikenyeri, who bounced back for the Mountain goats this season from South Africa, have found their way into the limelight after being called up in Zimbabwe’s provisional squad for next year’s International Cricket Council Cricket World Cup.
Mawoyo, a top order batsman, last played for the Chevrons last year against Pakistan while Matsikenyeri last had a dance with the national team in 2012 for the World Cup T20 in Sri Lanka.
Mawoyo last year had a groin injury which became his biggest challenge, but since the beginning of the 2014/15 domestic season he seems to have found his form again.
His visibility as a strong batter has been noticeable in the domestic franchise cricket with 49 runs as his highest score, but Mawoyo said he can do better.
“The groin injury is gone now and I have been slowly finding my form. I have been striking the ball well but not long enough, which is what I am working on, the long balls,” said Mawoyo.
Matsikenyeri, on the other hand, must have convinced the selectors to take a closer look following an impressive start in the domestic season.
Matsikenyeri scored 67 runs against Mashonaland Eagles and in the next match against Mid-West Rhinos was back in better form to stroke an unbeaten 83-ball 100 to lead Mountaineers to a six-wicket win over Rhinos.
Zimbabwe announced their provisional 30-man squad last week for the World Cup, which will be held in Australia and New Zealand from February 14 to March 29.
There were no major surprises with the inclusion of regulars like Hamilton Masakadza, Brian Vitori, Brendan Taylor, Malcom Waller, Sikandar Raza Butt, Vusi Sibanda, Sean Williams, Prosper Utseya, Elton Chigumbura and young start bowler Tendai Chatara, who seems to have now joined the list of regulars.
According to the latest Reliance International Cricket Council One-Day International rankings Chatara, following his performance in Bangladesh, is now Zimbabwe’s highest ranked bowler
He climbed to a career high 48th place, after taking six wickets for 189-runs in four matches.
Mountaineers’ Natsai M’shangwe and Shingirai Masakadza will also be part of the provisional squad.
The squad will however be reduced to the final 15 by mid-January before the team leaves the country end of that month for some international warm-up friendly matches before the World Cup.
Zimbabwe are in Pool B at the World Cup with defending champions India, Ireland, Pakistan, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and the West Indies.
Squad
Elton Chigumbura, Sikandar Raza Butt, Regis Chakabva, Brian Chari, Tendai Chatara, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Craig Ervine, Luke Jongwe, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Neville Madziva, Timycen Maruma, Hamilton Masakadza, Shingirai Masakadza, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Tinotenda Mawoyo, Solomon Mire, Peter Moore, Tawanda Mupariwa, Natsai M’shangwe, Cuthbert Musoko, Richmond Mutumbami, John Nyumbu, Tinashe Panyangara, Vusimuzi Sibanda, Brendan Taylor, Prosper Utseya, Brian Vitori, Malcolm Waller, Sean Williams and Cephas Zhuwao.
Online Reporter