Zimbabwe name 15-member squad for Sri Lanka ODIs, Craig Ervine to lead

Zimbabwe, on Friday, January 7, named a strong 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, starting January 16 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Left-handed batter Craig Ervine has been retained as the national skipper after he led the national team on its tour of Scotland and Ireland back in August-September 2021.

All-rounder Tino Mutombodzi, in the meantime, has made a comeback to the national team after a gap of nearly two years. The 31-year-old last donned the Zimbabwe colours in the tour of Bangladesh in March 2020. Mutombodzi made his ODI debut way back in 2013, but has only taken part in 14 ODIs where he has scored 177 runs and picked up seven wickets.

Zimbabwe pick two uncapped players

Mutombodzi, recently got some useful scores while playing for the Eagles and Southerns in the country’s 50-over domestic cricket. The veteran has also played one Test and 15 T20Is in his career. Zimbabwe have also picked uncapped players – wicketkeeper Clive Madande and opening batter Takudzwanashe Kaitano for the ODIs against Sri Lanka.

Kaitano has already represented Zimbabwe in a Test match that they played against Bangladesh back in July 2021. The 28-year-old scored 87 runs in the first innings, although Zimbabwe lost the match by 220 runs at the Harare Sports Club.

Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams and Blessing Muzarabani are three of their more experienced players in the squad. Having played for a number of franchises around the world, Muzarabani has emerged as a lethal prospect. Luke Jongwe and Ryan Burl have also been prolific performers for them.

Zimbabwe squad

Craig Ervine (C), Ryan Burl, Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chatara, Luke Jongwe, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Clive Madande, Wesley Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba, Sean Williams

Zimbabwe didn’t have the best of times while playing ODIs in 2021. Out of six games, they lost four while one game was called off. Their only win came against Ireland when they came out trumps by 38 runs in Belfast. Bangladesh also whitewashed them 3-0 in the ODI series in July. Zimbabwe are currently ICC’s 14th ranked ODI team with 764 points.