BY SPORTSCAST WRITER
HARARE – Zimbabwe’s cricket team has returned to full strength for the first time in a while, but the selectors have resisted the pressure to pick younger and in-form players for the three-match ODI series at home against the Netherlands.
The matches – at Harare Sports Club on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday – are part of ICC Super League, pathway to qualification to the next 50-over World Cup. Both the Zimbabweans and the Dutch though are out of direction qualification for that World Cup in India later on this year.
Zimbabwe welcome back star batting all-rounders Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl and Sean Williams to the side for the series with the Dutch, the first two joining the 15-man squad from franchise T20 commitments across the globe and the later from injury.
Pacers Blessing Muzarabani and Tendai Chatara also make a comeback to the side after recovering from injuries.
The Dutchmen, meanwhile, landed in Harare on Friday afternoon ahead of the clash.
ZIMBABWE SQUAD
Craig Ervine (captain), Gary Ballance, Ryan Burl, Tendai Chatara, Brad Evans, Innocent Kaia, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams.
