TEENAGE batting sensation Tadiwanashe Marumani got his maiden T20I international call as he was included in the 15 man squad that will face Pakistan in three T20I matches starting in Harare next week on Wednesday.
Marumani’s selection comes at the back of four half-centuries at a healthy strike rate in the just ended domestic T20 competition.
The former Under-19 batsman was the find of the tournament ending as the second-highest run scorer behind seasoned campaigner Craig Ervine.
Marumani ticks all the boxes of how to play T20 and will add a lot of impetus at the top of the order where Zimbabwe played conservatively in the UAE against Afghanistan.
Another exciting prospect who made the cut is the Eagles fast bowler, Tanaka Chivanga who bowled with a lively pace during the T20 tournament and will be handful in seamer-friendly conditions.
Tapiwa Mufudza the off-spinner is another new face that has been backed by the selectors as they try to build for the 2022 T20I World Cup in Australia.
The bold decisions by the selectors to give youngsters who have excelled at the domestic level a chance to play at international level, will excite Zimbabwe cricket fans who have been crying for the fusion of young players into the team.
Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine who both scored hundreds in the domestic T20 competition, make a welcome return to the national team as their experience will be called upon when Zimbabwe face the in-form Pakistan who won both the T20I and ODI legs of their tour to South Africa.
Regis Chakabva is another player who was rewarded by the selectors for his form and takes the place of Richmond Mutumbami who was dropped.
Zimbabwe’s long forgotten all-rounder Luke Jongwe who is having a decent season with Tuskers looks like he is going to be filling the shoes of Sikandar Raza who misses out due to injury.
Bradley Evans, Ainsely Ndlovu and Tarisai Musakanda have been placed on standby.
Zimbabwe and Pakistan match is scheduled to kick off their first match on April 21 at Harare Sports Club and play the two remaining matches on April 23 and 25 at the same venue, all matches starting 1100 hours local time.
No spectators are allowed due to the Covid-19 protocols.
Zimbabwe T20I Squad:
Williams Sean (captain), Burl Ryan, Chakabva Regis, Chivanga Tanaka, Ervine Craig, Jongwe Luke, Kamunhukamwe Tinashe, Madhevere Wessly, Marumani Tadiwanashe, Masakadza Wellington, Mufudza Tapiwa, Muzarabani Blessing, Ngarava Richard, Taylor Brendan, Tiripano Donald.
