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i think masakadza and chikambura or mazakadza and vermulan best for open

Well Masakadza and Vermuleon should open - Hamilton has been successful in that position and Mark will make use of the powerplay overs because of his aggression. Chigumbura and Coventry will be needed down the order so that at least one of them can make use of the batting powerplay.

Vermeulen's ODI stats are not spectacular. His stats in domestic leagues this year is also poor. So, I am wondering what's the hype about him!

Eshen wrote:Vermeulen's ODI stats are not spectacular. His stats in domestic leagues this year is also poor. So, I am wondering what's the hype about him!

As far as I have seen Vermeulen in the early 2000's, he is a classy act and a promising batsman. Everyone has agreed (I have seen anywhere) that he isn't a Matsikenyeri/Sibanda type of player but of one of those players still remaining from the golden side of Zimbabwe. His first class record is much better than other Zimbabwean batsman having got an average of 37+ with numbers of 50's and 100's and proved him class in the test level averaging 25+ with a century under his belt. I think, it will be improved when he will get a chance again. He played an innings close to a double century against Sussex, a good English county side, in 2003.

Talking about his domestic statistics this year, I think he has played just 2 matches in the Logan Cup before being ruled out for an finger injury. So, he didn't get much of a chance. He started well but struggled lately in the Faithwear. It can happen as he returned to competitive cricket in the Faithwear after 4 years.

But Vermeulen was in spectacular form in the Twenty-20 making an century also with 2 50's and an ave of 44+. His striking rate was the most impressive although 175.70%. He was named the player of the tournament of Abid Hamid tournament just after that in the club cricket. Before making the domestic return this year it was reported that Vermeulen was in good form for Royal CC in club cricket.

So, I think when Vermeulen gets a chance he will improve all of his records. Vermeulen is liked here by everyone including me for the fact his career seemed almost over after the two headstrikes he suffered while representing Zimbabwe. His comeback was just remarkable. You can read more about him here

I wld go with Vusi and Mark. Masakadza can come in at number 3.

I will go with Masakadza-Vermeulen pair.

Masakadza has been the most consistent performer with the bat for Zimbabwe in the opening position. He can also take the attack early on.

Vermeulen is an opening batsman. Good timer of the ball and fluent against pace bowling. Can make the full use of the bowling Powerplay overs for his aggressive batting.

Have to say Vermeluen looked very impressive today, besides occasional hiccups.

But, I am wondering why Sibanda has been left out. To accommodate Chibhabha?

I also think Sibanda-Vermeluen pair will be better for Zim with Masakadza coming at one-down.