Zimbabwe announce white-ball squads for Sri Lanka tour, Craig Ervine returns

Zimbabwe. (Photo by Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Zimbabwe have announced their squad for the multi-format series against Sri Lanka. It is worth noting that both sides will participate in three ODIs and three T20Is, with the series starting from January 6.

Zimbabwe Cricket named the squad on January 1, confirming that Craig Ervine will lead the ODI side whereas Sikandar Raza will lead in the T20I format. Veteran all-rounder Sean Williams will be missing the tour as he picked up a side injury recently in Harare while Wessly Madhevere was excluded owing to his suspension by the cricket board for breaching anti-doping rules.

Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Milton Shumba and Tony Munyonga have retained their positions in the 50-over squad after being named in the series against Ireland. Meanwhile, uncapped Tapiwa Mufudza has been called up after impressing at the Pro50 Championship 2023, where he was leading wicket-taker with 18 wickets.

In the absence of head coach Dave Houghton, who stepped down after the home series against Ireland, Walter Chawaguta was announced as the side’s interim coach. Under Houghton, Zimbabwe had a year to forget, failing to qualify for the ODI World Cup 2023. The side also failed to book a ticket for the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2024. The tournament will be hosted by the USA and the West Indies, but due to losing to Namibia and Uganda in the Africa Region Qualifier, Zimbabwe will miss out on yet another marquee tournament.

The ODIs will be played on January 6, 8 and 11 before the T20Is on January 14, 16 and 18.

Zimbabwe ODI squad vs Sri Lanka

Craig Ervine (c), Faraz Akram, Ryan Burl, Joylord Gumbie, Luke Jongwe, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Clive Madande, Wellington Masakadza, Tapiwa Mufudza, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba

Zimbabwe T20I squad vs Sri Lanka

Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Craig Ervine, Joylord Gumbie, Luke Jongwe, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Clive Madande, Wellington Masakadza, Carl Mumba, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Ainsley Ndlovu, Richard Ngarava, Milton Shumba