Zimbabwe Announce Squad for ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier: And Here Are Some Few Thoughts

ASHLEY DUBE & TAKUDZWA HILLARY CHIWANZA

Zimbabwe have announced their 15-men squad for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023 set to start on the 18th of June. Here are some of our few thoughts on the selection:

ZIMBABWE NAME NATIONAL CRICKET TEAM FOR ICC WORLD CUP QUALIFIER 2023

1. Joylord Gumbie’s impressive form rewarded

Opener Joylord Gumbie is yet to make his international bow but his recent imperious form, coupled with Gary Balance’s shock retirement, opened an opportunity which he took with both hands. And he is intent on transcending his fledgling status towards becoming a formidable batsman. He is the only uncapped player in this squad.

Gumbie has been in good touch with four hundreds in the last six months — the most recent one coming against the Pakistan Shaheens in the fourth one day international. Gumbie is in contention to open the batting with the more experienced Innocent Kaia. Gumbie’s advantage too is that his wicket-keeping skills are promising.

2. Selectors keep faith in Marumani

The selectors have kept faith in Eagles opener Tadiwanashe Marumani following a somewhat disappointing run against the Shaheens. However, Marumani was the leading run-scorer in last season’s List A cricket, with an impressive average of 47.08. And there is confidence that he will replicate this form in the Cricket World Cup Qualifier. The downside is that he is yet to translate that form on the international platform. But the 21-year-old has had all the tool to set the Qualifier alight.

3. Brandon Mavuta narrowly misses out

One who was unlucky to miss out. The leg spinner has been in good form, particularly on the domestic front. He was recently awarded bowler of the season in last season’s Logan Cup — Zimbabwe’s foremost first-class cricket tournament. Mavuta was also excellent against the West Indies in the Test series earlier this year. The Chevrons have a plethora of spinning all-rounders and that might have worked to Rango’s disadvantage.

4. Banking on experience

Zimbabwe’s more experienced players Craig Ervine (captain), Sean Williams, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Sikandar Raza, Tendai Chatara will definitely sip from their wealth of international cricket experience as they hope to take the Chevrons to the Cricket World Cup. Ryan Burl, Wessly Madhevere, and Clive Madande are some of the players Zimbabwe will look up to for game-changing cricketing displays. Richard Ngarava, who did not play against Pakistan A as he was grieving his late mother, is another important anchor for Zimbabwe’s national cricket team.