The Zimbabwe cricket team is now engaging in their final preparations for an upcoming series of three ODIs and one T20I against the youthful ‘Black Caps’ of New Zealand at the Harare Sports Club.
Chevrons coach Dev Whatmore has been taking the Chevrons through some gruelling training sessions the whole of this week that include focus on their fielding, bowling and batting techniques.
With only a few days left before Zimbabwe face New Zealand in their first ODI on Sunday and the players are battling for places in the squad.
Among players bracing for the important series against New Zealand is Christopher Mpofu who is hoping to carry on the form exhibited in the two T-20s against India recently.
Also in the squad are influential players such as Hamilton Masakadza, Captain Elton Chigumbura, Sikander Raza and Brian Vitori and still working hard to fully recover from injury is Tinashe Panyangara.
Meanwhile New Zealand coach Mike Hesson indicated that he will be bring a young squad and ensure that his players will evolve into solid international cricketers.
“If we are looking ahead to four years’ time and the next World Cup, this is the perfect opportunity to start that development. Two years ago we did the sane with Corey Anderson, James Neesham and Mitch McClenaghan on their first tour,” said Hesson.
Hesson has also rested regular captain Brendon McCullum for the tour and Kane Williamson an opportunity to lead the youngsters. New Zealand recently lost to England in a 2 – 3 series defeat to England.
The Black Caps will have their country’s name emblazoned on the front of their shirts this weekend – but it won’t say ‘New Zealand’.
To celebrate Maori Language Week, New Zealand’s national cricket team will unofficially be representing ‘Aotearoa’ in a one-day match against Zimbabwe on Sunday.
Aotearoa is the Maori language name for New Zealand and will be written on the front of the Black Caps’ shirts at the Harare Sports Club.
Zimbabwe vs New Zealand Fixture
- Aug 2 1st ODI: Zimbabwe v New Zealand
- Aug 4 2nd ODI: Zimbabwe v New Zealand
- Aug 7 3rd ODI: Zimbabwe v New Zealand
- Aug 9 Only T20I: Zimbabwe v New Zealand
