[Match Thread] Zimbabwe XI vs Afghanistan

[maehara]

Zimbabwe XI vs Afghanistan: Intercontinental Cup
Mutare Sports Club, 16-19 August 2009

This will be the first outing in the Intercontinental Cup for both sides (the competition didn't exist back when Zimbabwe were the dominant Associate side), and for Afghanistan it's their first First Class match. Despite being a lowly Affiliate side (although probably not for much longer), they're not to be underestimated - as a number of Associate sides have already found out...

Zimbabwe squad:
Tatenda Taibu (captain), Forster Mutizwa, Admire Manyumwa, Chris Mpofu, Timycen Maruma, Natsai Mushangwe, Friday Kasteni, Bothwell Chapungu, Tendai Chisoro, Cephas Zhuwawo, Regis Chakabva, Shingi Masakadza, Trevor Garwe, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Mbekezeli Mabuza.

Afghanistan squad:
Nawroz Mangal (captain), Khaleqdaad Noori, Karim Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Mirwais Ashraf, Rais Ahmadzai, Dawlat Ahmadzai, Mohammad Shahzad, Hamid Hassan, Samiullah Shinwari, Ahmad Shah, Noor Ali Noori, Asghar Stanikzai, Shahpoor Zadran

[maehara]

I think most people around these parts are hoping to see at least one change to the Zim squad for this match - as a result of Forster Mutizwa being hauled off to Bulawayo...

[CyberShot]

Don't take Afganstan lightly I watched them recently in South Africa they have this guy who is realy fast

[tawac]

The 'A' side seems to always plat well. Lets hope the brush this Afghanistan challenge aside. I also agree Mutizwa should go into the Nation team proper. He has proved his worth on the local scene.

[Sir Mupariwa]

This is the line up i want to see play Af

Taibu
Chibhabha
Matsikenyeri

Mutizwa is way better than the last two so he should play Bang i the third ODI simple

[zimfan1]

Apparently Regis Chakabva is injured so he will have to be replaced

[Detective RDS]

I think, Brighton Mugochi or Stephen Nyamunzinga deserve a chance in the 'A' side. Both did very well domestically.

For me, Taibu, Mutizwa, Manyumwa players to watch out for.

[Sir Mupariwa]

If we win against Afghn then i think it proves we have a good player base cuz they are a great team who have achieved a lot in the recent past. I had been following them up and they look like a team thats going places.

[Detective RDS]

Preview Link: http://www.cricinfo.com/icccont2010/con ... 19815.html

Zimbabwe XI v Afghanistan, Intercontinental Cup, Mutare

Afghanistan out to impress in four-day format

Cricinfo staff

August 15, 2009

Afghanistan's remarkable success in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers, where they qualified for the Super Eights, will give them plenty of confidence as they take on a Zimbabwe XI in their first Intercontinental Cup fixture in Mutare.

However, they are up for a stiff challenge for Zimbabwe are led by the hugely impressive Tatenda Taibu, who had also formerly captained the senior team, and include players who've had far greater exposure to international cricket.

It will be interesting to see how Afghanistan make the transition from their experience in the limited-overs format to the four-day game. As a result of their hugely impressive performance in the World Cup Qualifiers, Afghanistan have earned ODI status for four years, qualified for this tournament, have been promoted to Division One of the World Cricket League and won funding grants from the ICC. Their success has undoubtedly given them great recognition - they were in fact the most closely followed side in the Qualifiers - but the team would now want to take a step ahead and makes its mark in the longer version. The visitors will bank heavily on the leadership of their captain Nowroz Mangal along with Hamid Hassan, Karim Khan and batsman Mohammad Nabi, who has played for the MCC and is among the few players in the squad with first-class experience.

In accordance with the recommendations of the ICC's task force, Zimbabwe have sent an A team to the competition. Taibu's experience is a huge asset for the side that includes full internationals like Chris Mpofu, Timycen Maruma, Regis Chakabva and Forster Mutizwa. For their experience, Afghanistan's extremely limited exposure to first-class cricket and home advantage, Zimbabwe will start favourites.

Zimbabwe XI (squad): Tatenda Taibu (captain), Timycen Maruma, Forster Mutizwa, Admire Manyumwa, Chris Mpofu, Natsai Mushangwe, Friday Kasteni, Bothwell Chapungu, Tendai Chisoro, Cephas Zhuwawo, Regis Chakabva, Shingirai Masakadza, Trevor Garwe, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Mbekezeli Mabuza.

Afghanistan (squad): Nowroz Mangal (captain), Khaliq Dad, Karim Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Mirwais Ashraf, Raees Ahmadzai, Dawlat Ahmadzai, Mohammad Shehzad, Hamid Hassan, Samiullah Shenwari, Ahmad Shah, Noor Ali, Asghar Stanikzai, Shapoor Zadran.

[Makhaya00]

Afghanistan have proven what they are capable of after their recent success, Zimbabwe will prove to be too strong here with the likes of Taibu,Mpofu,Maruma and Chabakva.