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Veteran all-rounder Sean Williams will miss the tour,
which also consists of three Twenty20 Internationals, but Craig Ervine has
returned to head Zimbabwe in the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka.
During the second Twenty20 International in Harare last month, Williams had a
side injury. Ervine was included in both squads despite missing the home series
against Ireland because of a groyne ache.
Tapiwa Mufudza, an uncapped offspinner, made an
impression during the domestic season and was called up to the ODI squad. The
most wickets taken by Mufudza, 33, in the Pro50 Championship 2023 during
Mashonaland Eagles’ victory was 18. All-around fast bowler Faraz Akram, who was
called up but did not participate in the Ireland ODI series, is still expected
to make his debut in the format.
Among the seven new faces against Ireland,
Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Milton Shumba, and Tony Munyonga
retain their spots for the ODIs in Sri Lanka. But in the Sikandar Raza-led T20I
squad, all-arounder Brian Bennett (who made his T20I debut against Ireland)
will replace Kaitano, Mufudza, and Akram. Ainsley Ndlovu and Carl Mumba will
also be included.
Wessly Madhevere, an all-around player, was suspended
by Zimbabwe Cricket for violating anti-doping regulations, hence he was not
included in the teams.
In 2023, Zimbabwe endured a forgettable year following
two disappointing World Cup qualifying campaigns. They did not place in the top
two of the qualifying competition they hosted, which prevented them from
qualifying for the ODI World Cup in India. Additionally, they lost to Namibia
and Uganda in the Africa Region Qualifier, which prevented them from earning a
ticket to the 20-team T20 World Cup, which will be held in the West Indies and
the USA this year.
Dave Houghton resigned as head coach after the home
series against Ireland. Walter Chawaguta has been appointed as Zimbabwe’s
acting head coach for their visit of Sri Lanka. January 6, 8, and 11 will see
the ODIs, and then the T20Is on January 14, 16 and 18.