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ZIMBABWE have included the uncapped duo of middle-order batter Brian Bennett and pace bowler Trevor Gwandu in their 15-man squad for the three-match T20 international series against Ireland, which gets underway in Harare tomorrow.
They are among the four changes made to the side that failed to secure one of the two ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2023 places that were up for grabs at the regional qualifier tournament recently held in Namibia.
While leg-spinner Brandon Mavuta and batter Tony Munyonga have earned recalls, the selectors have dropped pace bowler Tendai Chatara and left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza as well as opening batters Innocent Kaia and Nick Welch.
Veteran batter Craig Ervine, who only played the first of Zimbabwe’s six matches at the qualifier tournament before he was sidelined by a groin muscle strain, is now fit again and has been retained.
Captain Sikandar Raza will lead the side, which includes regulars Sean Williams, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani and Ryan Burl.
The three T20I matches between Zimbabwe and Ireland are scheduled for 7, 9 and 10 December at Harare Sports Club.
This will be followed by as many one-day international fixtures between the two sides set for 13, 15 and 17 December at the same venue.
Zimbabwe T20I squad versus Ireland:
Raza Sikandar (captain), Bennett Brian, Burl Ryan, Ervine Craig, Gwandu Trevor, Jongwe Luke, Madande Clive, Madhevere Wessly, Marumani Tadiwanashe, Mavuta Brandon, Mumba Carl, Munyonga Tony, Muzarabani Blessing, Ngarava Richard, Williams Sean
Fixtures (all matches Harare Sports Club):
Tomorrow: 6pm
Saturday: 1pm
Sunday: 1pm
13 Dec: 1st ODI (9.15am)
15 Dec: 2nd ODI (9.15am)
17 Dec: 3rd ODI (9.15am)
Bongani Ndlovu
Mathew Masinge