ZIMBABWE left for Sri Lanka yesterday evening for the limited overs series in Colombo hoping the new year brings a change of fortunes.
Following a disappointing campaign in 2023, the Chevrons will be hoping to put an end to their dismal run that saw them being knocked out of this year’s T20 World Cup to be held in West Indies and USA. They also lost the limited overs series at home against Ireland in December.
The Chevrons will lock horns with the Asian side in three One Day Internationals and as many T20s in Colombo.
The three-match ODI series are scheduled for 6, 8 and 11 January, before they meet in the T20I fixtures pencilled in for 14, 16 and 18 January.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe ODI captain, Craig Ervines is back from injury for the series away to Sri Lanka, while uncapped spinner, Tapiwa Mufudza has been rewarded for his consistent top performance on the domestic scene.
Ervine's return gives the Chevrons the depth they desperately needed as Walter Chawaguta takes charge of the team on an interim basis following the resignation of head coach, Dave Houghton a fortnight ago. Star performer, Sikandar Raza, who has been holding fort in the absence of Ervine is also in the squad. Seamers, Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava have also made the cut together with all-rounder, Ryan Burl giving the balance the team heading into Colombo.
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It is, however, Mufudza’s inclusion that has seen the selectors at least walking the talk on rewarding exceptional performances.
Mufudza recently reached 100 List A wickets in 67 outings and has been the most consistent bowler on the franchise scene for the past three seasons.
Last season he was voted Zimbabwe’s Premier First Class competition, Logan Cup bowler of the year.
In this year’s Pro-50 Championship, Mufudza grabbed 17 wickets in six matches averaging 13.35 and an economy rate of 3.85.
The off-spinner has been playing First-Class cricket since 2011 and has taken 167 wickets at an average of 28.97, including six five-wicket hauls and a best of seven for 31.
Speaking on his latest feat, Mufudza was happy to achieve one of his goals.
“100 List A wickets for me was always the goal for me, it is an achievement that any bowler wish for and it shows that you are good at what you do,” Mufudza told NewsDay Sport.
“I have told myself that I no longer want to prove my worth to people so that I can play for the national team.
“They know my stats, I now play to enjoy my cricket not thinking about it.”
He credits the support environment at Takashinga for keeping him going despite him being overlooked by the national team selectors.
“At Takashinga we motivate each other, we are a family and we lift each other up when one is down or going through a rough patch,” said the Highfields born spinner.
Pace bowler Faraz Akram with T20I caps is also poised to make his ODI debut in Colombo, while Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Milton Shumba and Tony Munyonga have been retained for the ODIs in Sri Lanka after playing in the home series against Ireland in December.
Zim squad for ODI series versus Sri Lanka
Craig Ervine (captain), Faraz Akram, Ryan Burl, Joylord Gumbie, Luke Jongwe, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Clive Madande, Wellington Masakadza, Tapiwa Mufudza, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba.
Zim squad for T20I series versus Sri Lanka
Sikandar Raza (captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Craig Ervine, Joylord Gumbie, Luke Jongwe, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Clive Madande, Wellington Masakadza, Carl Mumba, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Ainsley Ndlovu, Richard Ngarava, Milton Shumba.