Muzarabani returns as Raza leads strong Zimbabwe squad at T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier

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Muzarabani returns as Raza leads strong Zimbabwe squad at T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier


Sikandar Raza will begin his first assignment as Zimbabwe’s full-time T20I captain by leading a near-full team in the upcoming African Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, which will be held in Namibia from November 22. Zimbabwe, who made a number of important changes to their setup following a 3-2 T20I series loss to Namibia last month, will be boosted by the return to full fitness of bowler Blessing Muzarabani , who has recovered from a fracture in his right hand.
Zimbabwe will be without closer Brad Evans, who has yet to fully recover from a broken shin.

Overall, the team made four changes from the squad that participated in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, with opener batsmen Innocent Kaia, Nicholas Welch and Tadiwanashe Marumani, and fast bowler Carl Mumba all finding a place in the team. of 15 members. Raza is also hoping to draw on the experience of Craig Ervine, Sean Williams and Tendai Chatara, as well as others such as Richard Ngarava, Ryan Burl and Wellington Masakadza.

Zimbabwe are one of seven teams participating in the African Qualifier, as they look to book their place in next year’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in the US and the Caribbean.

Zimbabwe did not participate in the 2021 T20 World Cup because the ICC suspended Zimbabwe Cricket due to government interference in its administration. In the 2022 edition, they topped their group in the first round, but finished last (sixth) in their Super 12 group and failed to automatically qualify for 2024. Two teams from the playoffs will complete the 20-team lineup for the main. edition in 2024.

Last month, ZC, giving importance to Zimbabwe’s quest for a place in the upcoming T20 World Cup, appointed Raza as permanent T20I captain, while retaining Dave Houghton as head coach in a bid to maintain continuity .