Sundaymail Editor
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FOR Chevrons coach Lalchand Rajput, familiarity could prove the difference when Zimbabwe faces Afghanistan in the limited-overs series over the next two weeks.
The two sides meet in a six-match limited-overs series, starting with three ICC Super League ODI matches that begin on Saturday at Harare Sports Club.
The ODI series is slated for June 4, 6 and 9.
After the ODIs, the series will move to Twenty20 matches on June 11, 12 and 14.
However, for Rajput, the key to success could be his knowledge of the Afghanistan team, which he coached prior to arriving in Zimbabwe.
“Afghanistan is a very good team and we have to play our very best cricket,” said Rajput.
“I know most of the guys from the Afghanistan team, and it becomes easier for me to plan.
“However, planning is done by the coach, but the execution is done by the players on the ground.
“We know a few of their players, but the players have to show up and execute in the middle,” said the Chevrons gaffer.
There was some good news in the Chevrons camp in the lead-up to the series, as Blessing Muzarabani has returned from the Indian Premier League just in time for the series.
“We have had a few days of preparations and it was good to see Blessing back,” added Rajput.
“The other guys who had been left out in the previous series are back, and I think we have a strong squad that can compete.”
Zimbabwe Cricket released their squad for the ODI series against Afghanistan on Thursday.
Led by captain Craig Ervine, the side includes 11 players who were part of Zimbabwe’s last ODI series away to Sri Lanka in January.
Among those missing out are Sean Williams, who is still attending to personal matters after Zimbabwe Cricket granted him compassionate leave.
Richard Ngarava and Wellington Masakadza have also been ruled out as they are yet to fully recover from lower back and right shoulder injuries, respectively.
Tino Mutombodzi did not made the cut this time round, while the duo of Donald Tiripano and Ainsley Ndlovu have since bounced back.
The duo of Dion Myers and Tanaka Chivanga have also been included in the squad.
The series is part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League, a 13-team competition serving as the main route for qualification for the 2023 edition of the 50-over ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup to be staged in India.
ZIMBABWE ODI SQUAD FOR AFGHANISTAN SERIES:
Craig Ervine (captain), Ryan Burl, Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chatara, Tanaka Chivanga, Luke Jongwe, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Clive Madande, Welsey Madhevere, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Ainsley Ndlovu, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba, Donald Tiripano.
Online Reporter