Sikandar Raza will lead Zimbabwe in the ODI series against Ireland.
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) announced a fresh look team for the three upcoming ODI series against Ireland at home. Zimbabwe have added seven players to their squad who didn't play during the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier in June-July, their last ODI series.
Out of these seven players—Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Tanaka Chivanga, Faraz Akram, Brandon Mavuta, Milton Shumba, and Tony Munyonga—only Akram has not played in ODIs before.
Zimbabwe’s ODI captain Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, and Brad Evans won't be playing in the upcoming series due to their respective injuries. On the other hand, Tendai Chatara, Wessly Madhevere, and Tadiwanashe Marumani were dropped from the national team.
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In the absence of injured Ervine, star all-rounder and T20I captain Sikandar Raza will lead Zimbabwe in the home series against Ireland. The three ODIs are scheduled for December 13, 15, and 17 at the Harare Sports Club in Harare.
Zimbabwe recently lost the T20I series 1-2 to Ireland, and now they are aiming for a strong comeback with a new-look team at home. Notably, Zimbabwe failed to qualify for the recent 2023 ODI World Cup in India. They will also miss the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Apart from these heartbreaks, Zimbabwe didn't also qualify for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies. Now, it’s time to rebuild for Zimbabwe cricket from the start.
Zimbabwe squad for Ireland ODIs:
Sikandar Raza (capt), Faraz Akram, Ryan Burl, Tanaka Chivanga, Joylord Gumbie, Luke Jongwe, Innocent Kaia, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Clive Madande, Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava and Milton Shumba.