Zimbabwe include uncapped Brian Bennett and Trevor Gwandu for Ireland T20Is

Zimbabwe Cricket. (Photo Source: Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Zimbabwe have made significant alterations to their T20I squad for their upcoming series against Ireland on home turf. Following their inability to secure a spot in the T20 World Cup due to a lacklustre performance in the qualifiers, Zimbabwe’s selectors have dropped four players from the previous squad. The ones dropped are pacer Tendai Chatara, spinner Wellington Mazakadza, and openers Innocent Kaia and Nick Welch.

Leg spinner Brandon Mavuta and Tony Munyonga have been recalled while new faces, namely 20-year-old batter Brian Bennett, who displayed promising form in List A cricket for Mountaineers, and 25-year-old fast bowler Trevor Gwandu, have been included in the squad.

Sikandar Raza will retain his role as the team’s captain, and the return of the experienced Craig Ervine, who missed a significant part of the qualifiers due to a groin injury, adds strength to the squad. The three-match is set to commence on December 7 at the Harare Sports Club, with the subsequent games scheduled at the same venue on December 9 and 10.

Squad: Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Craig Ervine, Trevor Gwandu, Luke Jongwe, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brandon Mavuta, Carl Mumba, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Sean Williams

Zimbabwe consistently failing to qualify for ICC events

Zimbabwe’s recent struggles in the World Cup qualifiers have been a persistent issue. They faced disappointment in previous ODI World Cups, having missed out on the 2019 and 2023 editions after failing to secure a top-two finish in the qualifying tournaments held in their home soil. Furthermore, their participation in the 2021 T20 World Cup was hindered due to Zimbabwe Cricket’s suspension by the ICC over government interference in cricket administration at that time.

Despite managing to progress past the initial round in the 2022 T20 World Cup, Zimbabwe’s campaign concluded with a bottom-place finish, with the team securing just one win in five games during the second round. This outcome also meant they could not qualify for the forthcoming edition of the T20 World Cup 2024 slated for June in West Indies and USA. Moreover, their failure to qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup also denied them an opportunity to participate in the 2025 Champions Trophy.