Zimbabwe have made an unexpected change to their T20 World Cup Africa Region Final squad after Sean Williams was released for what the board described as “personal reasons”. The 39-year-old left-hander did not feature in the hosts’ opening five-wicket win over Uganda on Friday and has now been replaced by wicketkeeper-batter Clive Madande.
Zimbabwe’s first outing in the eight-team event was straightforward enough: Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans shared six wickets to hold Uganda to 152, before Brian Bennett’s brisk 72 from 44 balls wrapped up victory with 15 deliveries unused. Captain Sikandar Raza will hope the momentum survives the disruption.
The tournament – featuring Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe – offers two berths at next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. As hosts and favourites, Zimbabwe can ill-afford any further hiccups, particularly given recent memories of missing out on major events.
Madande, 24, has already played 11 T20Is and was part of the squad that toured Ireland in the summer. His promotion lengthens the lower-middle order and gives the coaches another option behind the stumps should regular keeper Brendan Taylor, recalled for the qualifier, need relief.
Zimbabwe squad: Sikandar Raza (capt), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Brad Evans, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tinotenda Maposa, Tony Munyonga, Dion Myers, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Brendan Taylor.
The side returns to action on Sunday against Kenya. Two further group matches follow before the top teams progress to Wednesday’s decisive fixtures, where World Cup spots will be confirmed.
