adminThe 21-year-old right arm fast bowler is the only new face in the 15-man senior squad announced by Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) yesterday.
The ICC had originally set a deadline of Saturday, 18 August but have now moved that back to Friday, August 24 for members to submit their 15-player squads.
Muzhange is rated as one of the most promising cricketers after he had worked under Jason Gillespie who was the MidWest coach.
Previously, Muzhange has played for the national Under-19 side and was part of the squad for the unofficial TriNations series featuring Zimbabwe, South Africa and Bangladesh in June at Harare Sports Club.
But now Muzhange has been presented with a chance to earn his official senior national team cap at the T20 World Cup.
The tournament begins in Sri Lanka on 18 September and runs until 7 October.
Givemore Makoni, ZC’s convenor of selectors yesterday said Muzhange’s top form had been key in earning him the call-up.
“His call-up is based on his performance in the game. Also, we have used experienced players and we have noted that there are some guys who have played at the highest level before.
“We have also used statistics from cricket analysis over the past season,” said Makoni.
Makoni is optimistic that Muzhange has a bright future.
“He has been the biggest find of the season. He was one of the top wicket-takers in the last series and based on his performance, this is what has earned him a place to Sri Lanka,” said Makoni.
He however bemoaned the loss of veteran wicketkeeper and batsman Tatenda Taibu who has decided to quit the sport.
Former Zimbabwe captain and one of the most inspirational players—Taibu, has retired from the game to concentrate on working for the Lord.
“Taibu is one of the best players Zimbabwe has produced. He will be missed but the good thing is that a lot of players are being produced.
“It’s a great loss but this is also an opportunity for the next guy who is in line to come,” said Makoni.
National team captain Brendon Taylor is set to take over as the wicketkeeper while Foster Mutizwa will also provide cover for the same position.
Mutizwa has also earned a place in the team after recovering from an injury to his finger.
“Foster is back from injury and he is the second wicketkeeper to Brendon Taylor,” said Makoni.
All rounder Elton Chigumbura has also gatecrashed into the team despite having slumped in form of late.
A former national team captain, Chigumbura is playing for Northamptonshire and is one of the most experienced players in the side.
“Some people might argue that Elton has lost form slightly.
“But based on the last T20 matches, he has been the best all rounder.
“I have said before that we also considered experience and based on that Elton could be a match winner,” said Makoni.
There was no place for Shingi Masakadza who has been placed as a non-travelling reserve.
“Shingi has done well in the past but in the recent past he has not raised his hand.
“Based on his form, there are people who have done better than him,” said Makoni.
Zimbabwe will play hosts Sri Lanka in the opening match of the tournament and national team coach Allan Butcher is upbeat of a fine show from his troops.
“Our preparations have gone on well so far. We had a six week camp and I am really pleased with the efforts put by the players on the physical and tactical preparations.
“The quality of training they are having now has improved compared to 18 months ago,” said Butcher.
Butcher said he would have wanted to play a couple of warm up matches as Zimbabwe are likely to find the normally flat wicket on the subcontinent difficult for their spin.
Zimbabwe T20 squad
B. Taylor (capt), H. Masakadza, V. Sibanda, S. Matsikenyeri, M. Wailer, E. Chigumbura, C. Ervine, G. Creamer, R. Price, C. Jarvis, C. Mpofu, R. Muzhange, B. Vitori, P. Utseya, F. Mutizwa
Nontravelling reserves: R. Chakabva, T. Chatara, S. Masakadza, R. Mutumbami, T. Mutombodzi
Online Reporter