Namibia will kick start their tour of Zimbabwe on Tuesday, May 17, when they take on the home side in the first of five T20Is at the iconic Queens Park Oval in Bulawayo.
This will be a crucial series for both sides. Namibia have named a strong squad for the five-match series, and it will also serve as a good quality practice for the Gerhard Erasmus-led unit ahead of the forthcoming T20 World Cup.
Namibia have had a stellar run in international cricket in the last 8-10 months.
The African nation scripted history last year when they qualified for the main round of the T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. They went on to lock horns with India, Pakistan, and eventual runners-up New Zealand, impressing everyone with their performances.
They are coming off a comprehensive 3-0 T20I series win over Uganda and will be eager to showcase their talent against a strong Zimbabwe unit.
Skipper Erasmus led the side from the front against Uganda, scoring 131 runs in 3 innings, and JJ Smit was the leading wicket-taker with eight wickets in 3 matches.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, has a busy home summer coming up. The Craig Ervine-led unit will be hosting Afghanistan for an ODI and T20I series following the series against Namibia.
The squad boasts of tried and tested names like Ervine, Sikander Raza, and Ryan Burl, but the Zimbabweans must hit their straps early, considering they are coming off an ODI and T20 series defeat at the hands of South Africa A.
These two series will serve as an ideal opportunity for the African nation to zero in on their preparations before the all-important ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier B, held in Zimbabwe, to ascertain the remaining two spots for the 1st round qualifiers.
Match Details:
Venue: Queens Sports Oval, Bulawayo
Date: May 17, 2022
Time: 04:30 PM IST
Pitch Report & Weather Conditions:
The pitch at Queen Sports Oval is generally good for batting, but fast bowlers could come to the party, especially in the powerplay, if movement is on offer.
The average first innings score in 4 T20Is played at the venue is 169, and both batting and chasing sides' have won two games apiece.
As far as weather is concerned, it is expected to be a chilly day, with temperatures fluctuating between 11-21 degrees Celsius.
Squads:
Zimbabwe:
Craig Ervine (C), Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chatara, Tanaka Chivanga, Bradley Evans, Luke Jongwe, Innocent Kala, Wesley Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Ernest Masuku, Brandon Mavuta, Tony Munyonga, Richard Mutumbami, Victor Nyauchi, Milton Shumba, Donald Tiripano
Namibia:
Gerhard Erasmus (C), Stephen Baard, Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Malan Kruger, Karl Birkenstock, JJ Smit, Craig Williams, Jan Frylinck, Mauritius Ngupita, Dylan Leicher, Bernard Scholtz, Ben Shikongo, Kohan Louwrens, Jean Pierre Kotze, Louis Peters, Ruben Trumpelmann, Salomon Nuuyoma, Tangeni Lungameni, Zane Green, David Wiese, Michael van Lingen
Probable Starting XI:
Zimbabwe:
Wesley Madhevere, Regis Chakabva (WK), Craig Ervine (C), Milton Shumba, Sikandar Raza, Richard Mutumbami, Ryan Burl, Wellington Masakadza, Tendai Chatara, Donald Tiripano, Luke Jongwe
Namibia:
Gerhard Erasmus (C), Zane Green (WK), Jan Frylinck, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Bernard Scoltz, Ben Shikongo, JJ Smit, Ruben Trumpelmann, David Wiese, Michael van Lingen, Craig Williams