Zimbabwe add two uncapped players for Ireland Test, announce all-format tour squad

Zimbabwe Cricket has announced its squads for the upcoming all-format series against Ireland, scheduled for February 2025. The tour will feature a one-off Test match, three ODIs, and three T20Is. Zimbabwe's Test squad features two uncapped players, legspinner Vincent Masekesa and top-order batter Nicholas Welch.

The series kicks off with the lone Test from February 6 to 10 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, followed by the white-ball matches in Harare. The ODIs are set for February 14, 16, and 18, while the T20Is will take place on February 22, 23, and 25. This tour comes shortly after Zimbabwe's home Test series against Afghanistan, where they suffered a 1-0 defeat. The team will be waiting to make a strong comeback against Ireland.

27-year-old, Masekesa and 26-year-old, Welch have been rewarded for their outstanding domestic performances. Masekesa, with 49 wickets in 15 first-class matches, while Welch, with 1216 runs at an average of 31 across 26 first-class games, will strengthen the top order.

Veteran all-rounder Sikandar Raza will miss the Test match as he honours prior commitments in the ILT20, which concludes on February 9. However, Raza will return to lead the T20I squad. Furthermore, Sean Williams has been declared fit after struggling with a back injury during the Afghanistan series.

Also Read: Ireland name squads as Zimbabwe announce fixtures for all-format tour

The ODI squad sees two changes, with Wessly Madhevere and Nyasha Mayavo replacing Dion Myers and Joylord Gumbie. Myers, however, retains his spot in the T20I squad, joined by Johnathan Campbell, Tony Munyonga, and Mayavo.

Zimbabwe Test squad vs Ireland:

Craig Ervine (capt), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Joylord Gumbie, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Vincent Masekesa, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Victor Nyauchi, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams.

Zimbabwe ODI squad vs Ireland:

Craig Ervine (capt), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams.

Zimbabwe T20I squad vs Ireland:

Sikandar Raza (capt), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Johnathan Campbell, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Nyasha Mayavo, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri.