Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor

All-rounder Sikander Raza is back in the national cricket team ahead of the last two one day matches against Pakistan Shaheens at Harare Sports Club.

The talented all-rounder, who has been playing franchise cricket, has returned ahead of the penultimate match against the Pakistan Shaheens with Zimbabwe Select having an unbeatable 3-1 lead in the six-match series.

The National Team Select took a two-nil lead before a blip in the third match forced the visitors back in contention but Craig Ervine and Joylord Gumbie ensured that the hosts would not lose the series.

National team limited overs skipper, Ervine believes the Shaheens challenge has helped the team prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

“You can see we have been tested to the limits and the good thing is that we have been able to come out of bad situations to win the first two matches, this gives us confidence knowing that we can navigate out of any situation as we go into the qualifiers,” said Ervine.

The World Cup Qualifiers which get underway next month come at a time when most of the players have been given an opportunity to prove themselves ahead of the announcement of the final 15- member squad.