There’s welcome news for Zimbabwe fans: left-arm quick Richard Ngarava is back in the fold after six weeks out with a bruised lower back. He headlines a 16-man T20I squad named for the triangular series against South Africa and New Zealand, to be staged at Harare Sports Club from 14-26 July.
Three players are poised for first T20I caps. Wicketkeeper-batter Tafadzwa Tsiga, bustling left-arm seamer Newman Nyamhuri and leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa have all played red-ball cricket for Zimbabwe but are yet to feature in the shortest format. “It’s a good chance to see how they cope with the extra pace of T20,” lead selector Walter Chawaguta said in a board release.
Each side meets the other twice before the top two contest the final, all matches starting at 13:00 local time. South Africa provide the opening opposition on 14 July, followed by New Zealand (18 July), South Africa again (20 July) and the Black Caps once more (24 July).
Ngarava last played in the one-off Test at Lord’s in May and missed the recent home series against South Africa. “We’ve been cautious with his workload,” fitness coach S&C coach Sean Bell explained. “The scans are clear and he’s bowling at full tilt.”
All-rounder Brian Bennett also returns after a concussion sustained in that South Africa Test, while skipper Sikandar Raza keeps a familiar core around him: Ryan Burl, Blessing Muzarabani and Wellington Masakadza all retain their spots.
Full squad: Sikandar Raza (capt), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande (wk), Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Tafadzwa Tsiga.
Plenty of fresh energy then, tempered by experience. Whether that mix is enough against two powerful touring sides will be clear soon enough.
