Zimbabwe Vs Ireland | 1st T20I | 12th Jan 2023

[Googly]

Well it's a different format, Sam. He will surely be fine in the 50 over stuff. Does anyone know when Raza will be back?
I'm so curious what they're going to do.

They should all be getting some indoor time on one of those slow mats, but we don't have one, in prep for the weekend.
Toss will be important on a low scoring wicket, such an advantage knowing what tempo to chase at. That plan Ervine and Madhevere had of going hard doesn't work for us too often. We just lack a guy that can get us off to a fast start. Do they keep trying or do we try and get to 6 overs with 35-40 on the board with 1 down at most? Well we are yet to see what Maru can do, so let's cross fingers. 140 would seem a winning score on this type of deck.

The next all format captain will surely be Ballance? It's a bit awkward, but he's the logical choice.

If we'd had our internal T20 comp there would potentially be someone else putting his hand up to replace Madhevere, either temporarily or permanently in this format. He's been Royal Game for a while. I always look at guy's faces to see if I can see pressure and he always looks like he's enjoying himself, even when it's clear he needs runs. Either it's a good thing or he's just confident that he's not under pressure from another player waiting impatiently for his shot. A couple of guys here keep saying he needs to work with a batting coach, but they've got Houghton and Matsi, who else do you need? Clearly they're not quite making it work for him, but maybe it is what it is. There are ceilings to ability as evidenced by us relying on the same couple of guys to come right on match day.

Again a pity we haven't played some T20 because it would be interesting to see how Mavuta would go. He's surely a shoe-in for the ODI's, but he'd probably be good on these decks in T20. If ever a spinner has put his hand up in Zim cricket its him.

[Marshmallow]

Does anyone know when Raza will be back?
I'm so curious what they're going to do.

He will join with team when odi start that what he mentioned in his twitter.

[secretzimbo]

Raza is back for the ODIs next week.

Potentially they will ask Marumani to keep and Raza comes in for Madande. Or - and I know he's just been MotM - Burl? In an ODI I'm certain they will play either Masakadza or Mavuta. and with Raza/Williams/Wes being competent with spin and Burl batting as low as 7, maybe he's a luxury in a 50 over game, I don't know.

[TapsC2]

Innocent Kaia also comes into the conversation in ODIs. Will be interesting to see what combinations they try. Ervine is also very comfortable in that format and should probably bat in the middle order. The person who might actually step aside besides Madande could be Wesley.

Wes might have all the talent in the world but Kaia converted a start to a hundred, something that will be crucial in the qualifiers. He was batting in the top order too.

I think Marumani taking the gloves might actually help him so that he contributes in other ways. Only specialising in 1 discipline isn't that helpful anymore unless you are absolutely world class. He will always be the first guy dropped. Its also why people are beginning to notice Ervine's struggles but Raza is hiding with the ball.

[secretzimbo]

I forgot about Kaia. He’s a good player. I’m especially interested to see how he goes in the Windies tests.

He Should still be the incumbent in ODIs too probably. You’re right Madhevere is on thin ice if everyone is available

Anyone know how bad Blessing’s injury is? We’ll miss him more in the longer formats I think

[secretzimbo]

When was the last time it was this difficult to drop someone and fit everyone into the batting lineup?

[Jemisi]

It was quite a few years ago

[Donald]

Nick Welch has done decently in the 50 over domestic matches. Few 90s here and there.
Excited to see him in our 20 20 competition.
I still think he is low hanging fruit

[secretzimbo]

Raza playing in the UAE today. After flying to Bangladesh for just two games.

It's his 4th team in 4 weeks!

Considering he's due to turn up for Zim next week, that will be 5 teams in under 5 weeks

[sam_ahm]

I'm so happy to see a problem of plenty for Zimbabwe. Want to be cautious though and not get carried away. I hope there are enough regular fixtures to keep rotating the players, that will be the best thing to do.

Atm the Squad for WCQ could look like this

Marumani
Madhevere
Ervine (c)
Ballance
Williams
Raza (vc)
Madande
Burl
Evans
Ngarava
Muzarabani
------------------------
Kaia
Chatara
Wellington
Jongwe

Shumba misses out, sadly he hasn't done enough. There can be a case for Chakabva ahead of Madande depending upon Madande's form and Chakabva's availability. Mavuta misses out for now, but can be amongst the reserves.