Preview of the Zimbabwe 2023 Cricket World Cup Qualifier; And Our Probable Chevrons Squad

ASHLEY DUBE

Preparations are in full swing for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier Zimbabwe 2023. The 50-over tournament commences on the 18th of June 2023 with only two spots up for grabs for the 13th edition of the Cricket World Cup showpiece set for October later this year in India.

ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier Preview Zimbabwe 2023 national cricket team

PIC - ZimCricketv/Twitter

Zimbabwe were drawn in a relatively tricky group, pitted against fellow tournament favourites West Indies, bogey side the Netherlands, the United States of America as well in form Nepal.

The Chevrons will kick-start the tourney against Nepal who possess world class talent capable of causing an upset on a good day.

This is a potential banana skin for the Zimbabwe men’s national cricket team as they need to navigate the likes of Khusal Bhurtel and Sandeep Lamichane, players who are capable of producing world-class performances on the day.

However, to be fair to the Chevrons, they are currently cruising in rich vein form in the fifty over format since Dave Houghton took charge.

Zimbabwe’s national cricket team has recorded One-Day series victories over Bangladesh, the Netherlands and Ireland; and also beat Australia away from home.

Massive concerns still linger over the batting top order as the Chevrons are yet to settle on a firing top order. Talented youngester Tadiwanashe Marumani has flattered to deceive whilst Innocent Kaia has shone in flashes.

Joylord Gumbie, yet to make his international debut, is in fine form, having just scored his maiden List A hundred against the Pakistan Shaheens). The Mountaineers’ star is surely making a late case for his inclusion in the Qualifier.

The middle order arguably stands to be Zimbabwe's strongest unit as led by superstar Sikandar Raza who is returning from his impressionable stint in the Indian Premier League, and Sean Williams who is also in fine form; as well as Clive Madande and Ryan Burl who are in fine touch too.

The bowling unit is in a more stable state with the incumbents in excellent form.

The likes of the more experienced Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara and Wellington Masakadza will be charged with leading the bowling unit.

Brad Evans, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi and Brandon Mavuta will likely complete the bowling line-up for the squad.

The tournament commences on 18 June 2023 with the final on the ninth of July 2023.

Here’s Our Tentative Sketch of the Probable Zimbabwe National Cricket Team:

Craig Ervine

Wessly Madhevere

Innocent Kaia

Sean Williams

Sikandar Raza

Tadiwanashe Marumani

Ryan Burl