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Andy Waller

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Cricket coach Andy Waller has ruled out complacency from his side as they look to wrap-up the series when they take on Afghanistan in the third One Day International match at Queens Sports Club today.The hosts will be going for a “comprehensive win” in Bulawayo with Waller ringing some changes to the squad that won the first two ODIs played on Friday and Sunday.

Zimbabwe won the first 50-over game by six wickets with 26 balls remaining and Sikander Raza Butt’s maiden ODI century helping the host crush Afghanistan by eight wickets in Sunday’s. Raza 141 runs off 133 balls was laced with seven sixes and 11 fours.

Waller said they will be aggressive in their approach as they prepare for the upcoming Proteas tour as well as next month’s triangular series that will involve South Africa and Australia.

“As for the approach we are definitely going for a comprehensive win. We won by good margins in the opening two matches and we are not taking the foot off the pedal. What we will do is to play simple cricket and I spoke to our bowlers to keep up with the good work and pile pressure on the visitors. The batsmen have also been fantastic though in the second game we struggled in the first 10-15 overs we managed to take firm control of the game later.

“There are few changes that we have made which are meant to give everyone a run as we prepare for upcoming games as well as the World Cup,” said Waller.

Opening batsman Vusi Sibanda who had an indifferent performance with the bat during the first ODI where he got a paltry four runs last week has been axed from the squad.

According to a statement from ZC, convener of selectors Givemore Makoni spoke with Sibanda and told him that because of his performances, he would not be considered for any of the remaining matches of the series against Afghanistan but could remain in Bulawayo and train with the squad. The top-order batsman then decided to train alone in Harare.

Sibanda will join the squad for the forthcoming tours by South Africa and Australia so that the selectors can look at him again.

Richmond Mutumbami who top-scored with 73 runs for Zimbabwe A in their second warm-up one-day match against Afghanistan in Bulawayo has been called into the squad to replace Sibanda.

Injured spin bowler Prosper Utseya will be replaced by Natsai M’shangwe who joins the bowling attack that will have Elton Chigumbura and Tinashe Panyangara.

Regis Chakabva who played as a wicket keeper in the first two matches takes a rest with captain Brendan Taylor taking his place.
Timycen Maruma will also get game time today.

Zimbabwe Squad: Brendan Taylor (captain), Sikandar Raza Butt, Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chatara, Elton Chigumbura, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Timycen Maruma, Hamilton Masakadza, Shingirai Masakadza, Natsai M’shangwe, Richmund Mutumbami, Tinashe Panyangara, Donald Tiripano, Prosper Utseya, Malcolm Waller, Sean Williams.