Zimbabwe has announced its squads for the upcoming home series against Afghanistan, featuring three T20Is and three ODIs. Two fresh faces, Ben Curran and Newman Nyamhuri, have received their maiden call-ups for this much-anticipated series.
The white-ball series is set to begin on December 11, 2024, in Harare, and it will be followed by a two-match Test series in Bulawayo. Here’s a detailed breakdown of Zimbabwe’s squad, key players, and match schedule.
Ben Curran Joins Zimbabwe’s ODI Squad
Ben Curran, a left-handed batter and younger brother of England’s star cricketers Sam and Tom Curran, is making headlines with his call-up to Zimbabwe’s ODI squad. The 28-year-old has an impressive cricketing background as the son of former Zimbabwe cricketer and coach Kevin Curran.
Having played for Northamptonshire in England until 2022, Ben made a move to play cricket in Zimbabwe, a country where he spent most of his childhood. His recent performances in Zimbabwe’s domestic leagues have been remarkable.
- Top Run Scorer in Zimbabwe’s Pro50 List A and Logan Cup competitions this season.
- Made himself available for Zimbabwe selection after consistently delivering strong performances.
With such a prolific season, it was only a matter of time before he was called up for national duty. Ben Curran is included in the ODI squad only, making him one of the key players to watch out for in the Afghanistan series.
Newman Nyamhuri Makes Both T20I and ODI Squads
Newman Nyamhuri, an 18-year-old left-arm fast bowler, is another exciting addition to Zimbabwe’s T20I and ODI squads. Nyamhuri made waves at the 2024 U-19 Cricket World Cup, where he was Zimbabwe’s leading wicket-taker.
His standout performances in domestic cricket further strengthened his case for selection.
- Best Bowling Figures: 4/43 in a List-A match for Southern Rocks just last week.
- Has been called up for both the ODI and T20I squads, unlike Ben Curran, who will only feature in ODIs.
His inclusion could boost Zimbabwe’s pace attack as they face Afghanistan’s strong batting lineup.
Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 2024 Match Schedule
Here’s a complete schedule for the Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan white-ball series:
T20I Series (Harare)
- 1st T20I: December 11, 2024
- 2nd T20I: December 13, 2024
- 3rd T20I: December 14, 2024
ODI Series (Harare)
- 1st ODI: December 17, 2024
- 2nd ODI: December 19, 2024
- 3rd ODI: December 21, 2024
All matches will be played at Harare Sports Club, a venue known for its spin-friendly pitch and balanced conditions for both batters and bowlers.
Zimbabwe Squad for the T20I and ODI Series
T20I Squad
Captain: Sikandar Raza
Squad Members:
- Sikandar Raza (C)
- Faraz Akram
- Brian Bennett
- Ryan Burl
- Trevor Gwandu
- Takudzwanashe Kaitano
- Wessly Madhevere
- Tinotenda Maposa
- Tadiwanashe Marumani
- Wellington Masakadza
- Tashinga Musekiwa
- Blessing Muzarabani
- Dion Myers
- Richard Ngarava
- Newman Nyamhuri
ODI Squad
Captain: Craig Ervine
Squad Members:
- Craig Ervine (C)
- Brian Bennett
- Ben Curran
- Joylord Gumbie
- Trevor Gwandu
- Tinotenda Maposa
- Tadiwanashe Marumani
- Wellington Masakadza
- Tashinga Musekiwa
- Blessing Muzarabani
- Dion Myers
- Richard Ngarava
- Newman Nyamhuri
- Victor Nyauchi
- Sikandar Raza
- Sean Williams
Notable Inclusions & Exclusions
- Takudzwanashe Kaitano is in line for a T20I debut.
- Faraz Akram and Brandon Mavuta have been left out from the last assignment against Pakistan.
- Victor Nyauchi returns to the ODI squad, adding experience to the bowling attack.
Players to Watch Out For
1. Ben Curran (ODI Only)
- Strong batting form in Pro50 and Logan Cup.
- Brother of England internationals Sam and Tom Curran.
- Will provide Zimbabwe with stability in the top order.
2. Newman Nyamhuri (ODI & T20I)
- Leading wicket-taker for Zimbabwe in the 2024 U-19 World Cup.
- Recent standout performance: 4/43 in a List-A match for Southern Rocks.
- Will be a key player for Zimbabwe’s pace attack.
3. Sikandar Raza (T20I Captain)
- One of Zimbabwe’s most experienced and dependable players.
- Will lead the team in T20Is and play a crucial role as an all-rounder.
4. Craig Ervine (ODI Captain)
- Experienced ODI captain who brings calm leadership and experience to the team.
- Will look to stabilize Zimbabwe’s middle order with his batting.
What to Expect from the Series?
This white-ball series against Afghanistan is crucial for Zimbabwe’s preparation for future tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers. The series will also help them identify new talent and strengthen their bench.
The T20I series may provide a chance for youngsters like Newman Nyamhuri to showcase their potential, while the ODI series will see senior players like Sikandar Raza, Craig Ervine, and new addition Ben Curran playing pivotal roles.
For Afghanistan, this series is an opportunity to maintain their momentum in limited-overs cricket. Players like Rashid Khan and Rahmanullah Gurbaz will be key figures for the visitors.
Final Thoughts
Zimbabwe has set its sights on making an impact in the home series against Afghanistan. With the inclusion of fresh talents like Ben Curran and Newman Nyamhuri, Zimbabwe’s squad looks more balanced than ever. The series will not only test their bench strength but also give them a chance to prepare for future tournaments.
All eyes will be on the young stars, seasoned campaigners, and the ever-reliable Sikandar Raza. Don’t miss out on the live action starting December 11, 2024, in Harare.
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