Story by Lawrence Trusida Sports Editor
THE Chevron technical department has dropped four players from the team that failed to qualify for the 2024 T20 World Cup as Zimbabwe prepares to take on Ireland in three T20s that start this Thursday at Harare Sports Club.
After a disappointing World Cup qualification campaign, the Zimbabwe National Cricket Selection Committee has axed four for the upcoming tour against Ireland.
Experienced fast bowler Tendai Chatara, spinner Wellington Masakadza and opening batsmen Innocent Kaia and Nick Welch, have been dropped from the squad.
In their place, coach Dave Houghton has called in the uncapped duo of middle-order batter Brian Bennett and pace bowler Trevor Gwandu, while Leg-spinner Brandon Mavuta and batter Tony Munyonga have earned recalls.
Former captain Craig Ervine, who only played the first of Zimbabwe’s six matches at the qualifier tournament in Namibia before he was sidelined by a groin muscle strain, is now fit again and has been retained.
Captain Sikandar Raza will lead the side, which includes regulars Sean Williams, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani and Ryan Burl.
The three T20I matches between Zimbabwe and Ireland are scheduled for the 7th, 9th and 10th of December at Harare Sports Club.
After the T20Is, the two sides will also clash in a one-day international series from the 13th to the 17th of December at the same venue.
