Chevrons embark on new journey in T20 World Cup qu...

Chevrons embark on new journey in T20 World Cup qualifier

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

The Zimbabwe senior men’s cricket team is embarking on a new chapter as they participate in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Region Qualifier B. The Chevrons, aiming to return to the big leagues of international cricket, are determined to make their mark in the tournament.

The team's journey to the Qualifier B comes after their failure to qualify for the 2024 T20 World Cup, coupled with strong performances by USA and Netherlands. This has complicated their qualification path, forcing them to take a more circuitous route.

The Qualifier B, hosted by Kenya, features six teams including The Gambia, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. The top two teams will advance to the Regional Final, joining Uganda, Namibia, and other teams from Sub Region Qualifiers A and C.

Zimbabwe's opening match in the Qualifier B is against Seychelles this Saturday. Despite the challenges they face, the Chevrons' new head coach, Justin Sammons, remains optimistic about the team's chances.

Sammons, who is known for his focus on developing cricket talent, sees this tournament as an opportunity to guide the team back to glory. He believes that the less pressure of the Qualifier B will allow the players to focus on their game and perform at their best.

The Chevrons, led by international T20 skipper Sikandar Raza, have been preparing diligently for the tournament. Sammons has had ample time to assess his players and refine their skills.

"The squad has worked really well over the past month," Sammons told NewsDay Sport. "We had three weeks of camps with the greatest squad and then it was whittled down. I am very happy with the preparation and the expectation is to go and win every game."

Sammons emphasizes the importance of respecting every opponent, regardless of their size or stature. He believes that success in the tournament will depend on the Chevrons' ability to execute their skills and stick to their game plan.

"Our focus is not on the opposition, it's on ourselves," Sammons added. "We've got a process and a game plan that we want to stick to and that will be our focus."

The Chevrons have a balanced squad that combines experience with youth. All-rounder Tashinga Musekiwa and seamer Tinotenda Maposa are the only uncapped players in the side.

Zimbabwe Squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier B

Sikandar Raza, Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava