Zimbabwe will face Ireland in three T20Is in Harare this week with an uncapped duo in their squad. Middle-order batter Brian Bennett and fast bowler Trevor Gwandu have been called up to the 15-member squad for the series. The matches come after Zimbabwe’s recent failure to qualify for the T20 World Cup next year, finishing third in the Africa Region Qualifier behind Namibia and Uganda.
Experienced batter Craig Ervine has recovered from a groin injury and retained his place in the squad. Meanwhile, a number of players from the Africa qualifiers, including Kaia, Welch, Masakadza, and Chatara, did not perform well.
Mavuta and Munyonga have been in good form in domestic matches and have been included in the squad. Bennett, who is only 20 years old, has represented Zimbabwe Under-19s and Under-25s, while Gwandu recently played for Southern Rocks in the Pro50 Championship.
The T20Is will be followed by a series of ODIs, all to be held in Harare. Zimbabwe’s squad for the T20Is includes Sikandar Raza (captain), 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, and Sean Williams.