Twenty-eight-year-old all-rounder Brad Evans is making his comeback to the Zimbabwe ODI squad for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka.
The series, scheduled for August 29 and 31 at Harare Sports Club, marks a significant return for Evans, who last played for the national side in a 50-over match on July 2, 2023, against the same Sri Lankan team during the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier.
Evans is part of a 16-man squad that also includes veteran batter Brendan Taylor, who is returning from a three-and-a-half-year ICC ban.
The allrounder who has been overlooked by Zimbabwe Cricket in recent years, has played 15 ODIs for Zimbabwe, taking 13 wickets, and is perhaps best known for his outstanding performance against India in 2022 when he became just the third Zimbabwean to take a five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5 for 54.
He is also famously known for defending 11 runs in the final over to help Zimbabwe to a 1-run victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup in 2022.
The squad, captained by Craig Ervine, aims to blend seasoned players with fresh talent as Zimbabwe shifts from the Test format to limited-overs cricket. Other key players include middle-order mainstays Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza, as well as pace bowlers Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani.
Joining Evans and Taylor in the squad are three other players who weren’t part of the last ODI series against Ireland in February: Clive Madande, Tony Munyonga, and uncapped seamer Ernest Masuku.
“We are delighted to welcome Brendan back into the fold,” said Zimbabwe Convener of Selectors David Mutendera.
“His experience and quality are invaluable…This squad has been selected to give us the best chance against a strong Sri Lankan side.”
Zimbabwe’s head coach, Justin Sammons, and captain, Craig Ervine, both emphasized the need for the team to adapt quickly to the demands of white-ball cricket, highlighting the importance of clear roles and disciplined execution against a formidable Sri Lankan side.
ZIMBABWE SQUAD FOR ODI SERIES VS SRI LANKA:
Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande, Ernest Masuku, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams.
