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Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE national cricket team is expecting a tough battle against Afghanistan when the two teams meet in a limited overs series in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates from 5 February.
The Chevrons head off to UAE today after a disappointing show in the Bangladesh triangular One Day International series where they only recorded one win over Sri Lanka while they went down twice to the host nation. Zimbabwe face Afghanistan in two Twenty20 Internationals and five ODIs.
Streak yesterday said while they anticipate a tough battle against the fast improving Afghans, he has faith in his own side to deliver after losing the last battle against the same opponents. Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe 3-2 at Harare Sports Club at the beginning of last year.
“We expect a tough series against Afghanistan, especially in Sharjah, obviously the conditions are there but I think as a team we’ve evolved since we last played. I think we’ve got a much more all round side, our bowling I think is stronger. We some good versatility in our batting, if we can get some really good form, there is no reason why we can’t take the series,’’ Streak said.
He saw the battle against the Asians a build up to the crucial International Cricket Council World Cup Qualifier to be held in Zimbabwe in March. Zimbabwe and Afghanistan play each other in a group B clash at Queens Sports Club on 6 March.
”I think we’ve got the resources, to be able to clinch the series but I expect it to be tough. They have got some good quality players now in their line up so it will be a good dress rehearsal for us leading into the World Cup qualifiers.
Obviously we play a very crucial match against them in the group stages so it would be good for us to also ascertain their strengths and hopefully be able to get some confidence going into the World Cup qualifiers,’’ he said.
Zimbabwe have dropped veteran seamer, Christopher Mpofu and uncapped Brandon Mavuta from the squad. Left arm pace bowler, Brian Vitori, cleared to play after undergoing remedial action are understood to have been recalled together with batsman Ryan Burl.
Mpofu is part of the Zimbabwe A squad for the four 50 over clashes as well as one Twenty20 match against Kenya, a contest which starts at Mutare Sports Club from tomorrow.
Zimbabwe squad against Afghanistan: Graeme Cremer (captain), Hamilton Masakadza, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor, Malcolm Waller, Ryan Murray, Peter Moor, Sikandar Raza, Solomon Mire, Brian Vitori Ryan Burl, Tendai Chisoro. — @Mdawini_29
Londile Moyo
Online Reporter