The Sunday Mail
The ODI series is a prelude to next week’s triangular series that will also feature number one-ranked Australia.
Zimbabwe will be led by re-instated captain Elton Chigumbura for the first time since 2011 and Stephen Mangongo will also be taking charge of his first one day series as head coach.
After a disappointing drawn series with Associates Afghanistan, the hosts will require some top drawer performances if they are to cause an upset. Maybe they can draw some confidence from their fighting spirit shown in last week’s Test match.
Both teams will also use these games to begin preparations for next year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
South Africa, who last played an ODI in Zimbabwe in 2007, are coming from a historic first-ever ODI series triumph in Sri Lanka, and are strong favorites to bag the three one day matches. They enjoy a commanding 32-2 head-to-head record against Zimbabwe and despite resting their three senior bowlers, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernom Philander, that record is expected to increase.
The Proteas suffered a setback when left arm seamer Beuran Hendricks sustained a back injury while playing for South Africa A last week, but in Wayne Parnell, Merchant De Lange and Kyle Abbott they still pose a potent attack.
Their batting has the number one ranked batsman AB De Villiers and Hashim Amla is third on the list.
Brian Vitori, the left-arm paceman, could play his first ODI after almost a year due to injury; he also suffered an ankle injury in a road accident a few months ago, but has fully recovered now.
After being dropped from the ODI side against Afghanistan, Vusi Sibanda has been included in the squad facing the Proteas, another chance for the senior batsman to prove his worth.
Wicket-keeper Richmond Mutumbami’s promising career is showing signs of maturity and he could play his second ODI for Zimbabwe in this series.
Test match hero, albeit in a losing cause, John Nyumbu, could also debut in the limited overs. All rounders 19-year-old Luke Jongwe and Neville Madziva (23) are new faces in the ODI squad.
South Africa have selected uncapped batsman Rilee Rossouw and left-arm seamer Mthokozisi Shezi, Merchant De Lange returns to the side after a 28-month hiatus due to injury.
