Zimbabwe announce squads for home series against Ireland

Zimbabwe has unveiled its squads for the upcoming home series against Ireland, featuring a one-off Test, three ODIs, and three T20Is. The series, which begins on February 6, will be played at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo and promises exciting contests across formats.

Zimbabwe’s Test squad includes two uncapped players: 27-year-old leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa and 26-year-old batter Nicholas Welch. Their inclusion highlights Zimbabwe Cricket’s focus on nurturing fresh talent.

Nicholas Welch, who made his T20I debut against Namibia in October 2023, now gets the chance to represent his country in the longest format of the game. His call-up is seen as a reward for his consistent performances in domestic cricket. Meanwhile, Masekesa’s selection adds variety to Zimbabwe’s bowling attack.

The revamped Test squad, however, excludes Tadiwanashe Marumani and Dion Myers, who have been left out for this series.

A significant boost for Zimbabwe is the availability of veteran all-rounder Sean Williams. The 38-year-old had been battling a back injury during the previous series against Afghanistan, but his return adds experience and stability to the team’s lineup.

The ODI squad sees two changes, with Nyasha Mayavo and Wessly Madhevere coming in to replace Dion Myers and Joylord Gumbie. Both Mayavo and Madhevere bring versatility to the middle order, aiming to strengthen Zimbabwe’s batting unit for the 50-over format.

Dion Myers, though excluded from the ODI setup, retains his place in the T20I squad. The changes to the T20I team include the omissions of Faraz Akram and Takudzwanashe Kaitano. The reshuffled squad reflects Zimbabwe’s intent to optimize their lineup for the fast-paced 20-over format.

The series kicks off with the one-off Test match on February 6 at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. The focus will then shift to the ODI series, with matches scheduled for February 14, 16, and 18. The T20I leg will begin on February 22, followed by matches on February 23 and 25, completing the series.

Test Squad: Craig Ervine (C), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Joylord Gumbie, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Vincent Masekesa, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Victor Nyauchi, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams

ODI Squad: Craig Ervine (C), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams

T20I Squad: Sikandar Raza (C), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Johnathan Campbell, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Nyasha Mayavo, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri.