Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE have lost fast bowler Richard Ngarava and his replacement, Tanaka Chivhanga, to injury ahead of the Namibia T20 tri-series.
Ngarava remains sidelined by a lower-back injury, while Chivanga underwent surgery after damaging his Achilles tendon during practice.
“Obviously, the big blow is not having Richard with us,” said Zimbabwe head coach Justin Sammons.
“Following that, Chivanga injuring his Achilles was another hit as he stepped in to replace Richard.”
Their absence leaves Blessing Muzarabani to lead a pace attack that also includes Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri and Kundai Matigimu.
Leg-spinner Graeme Cremer returns after recovering from the left-arm injury that ruled him out of the home series against Bangladesh and India.
“It’s always good to have Cremer with us as he brings a lot of experience and calmness to the group, which is crucial,” Sammons said.
“Cremer also gives us the skill set that is needed in Namibia in terms of our spin department.”
Captain Sikandar Raza will remain central to Zimbabwe’s plans despite a difficult run against Bangladesh and India.
Raza scored 96 runs and took four wickets across the ODI and T20 series against Bangladesh before managing only four runs and one wicket against India.
Zimbabwe beat Bangladesh 2-1 in the ODI series but lost the T20 contest by the same scoreline. India then completed a 3-0 T20 whitewash.
Sammons remains confident the 40-year-old all-rounder will rediscover his match-winning form.
“He balances the team, which is extremely important, and we know he’s a match-winner in every aspect,” he said.
“Yes, he may have had a tough series against India and Bangladesh, but that’s the nature of the game.
“We know match-winning performances are just around the corner.”
The Chevrons left for Namibia yesterday.
“Our preparation has been good,” said Sammons.
“We had a week at Old Hararians and were fortunate to get some centre wickets in and really just hone in on game plans before moving to Namibia.
“The squad had been assembled a while ago, and they look to be in good shape.”
Zimbabwe open their campaign against South Africa on Saturday before meeting hosts Namibia two days later.
“The Namibia squad is fairly consistent, and we know what to expect from them in terms of their skill sets,” Sammons said.
“They are a very competitive team, especially in their home conditions, and will be very difficult to beat.
“South Africa have some high-quality players, very dangerous players. It is going to be a good test for us.”
The three nations will play each other twice, with the top two advancing to the final on September 6.
The tri-series is part of an Africa Cricket Association programme to provide African teams with more regular international competition ahead of the launch of the Africa Cup in 2027.
ZIMBABWE SQUAD
Sikandar Raza (captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Innocent Kaia, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Kundai Matigimu, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Newman Nyamhuri, Tafadzwa Tsiga.
