The Sunday Mail
Online reporter
ZIMBABWE Cricket have named a full-strength 15-member squad for next week’s three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against the Netherlands.
The three matches between the Chevrons and the Dutch will be held at Harare Sports Club on March 21, 23 and 25.
They will be part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League, which serves as the main route for direct qualification for the World Cup competition.
The 13-team league competition will see the top eight sides, including hosts India, earn direct qualification to the global showcase.
The good news for the Chevrons team sees the return of senior players Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Sean Williams, Tendai Chatara and Blessing Muzarabani.
Raza and Burl missed the West Indies series due to franchise commitments abroad, while the trio of Muzarabani, Chatara and Williams were ruled out of the series due to injury.
The return of the five senior players ahead of the ODI Super League has delighted national team coach Dave Houghton.
“It’s great to have the whole team back and everyone fit again,” said Houghton.
“It’s naturally our intention to win the series.
“However, in doing so, it is also an opportunity to try out different combinations to achieve that goal with an eye on the upcoming World Cup qualifier tournament.”
With both sides out of contention for the automatic places on the Super League log standings, they will likely use these three matches as preparations for the World Cup qualifiers slated for June in Harare.
Chevrons squad
Gary Ballance, Ryan Burl, Tendai Chatara, Craig Ervine, Bradley Evans, Innocent Kaia, Clive Madande, Wesley Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Blessing Muzarabani, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams
