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Darlington Majonga

Ellina Mhlanga, Harare Bureau
ZIMBABWE’S Chevrons are set to head off to Bangladesh today for the triangular One Day International cricket series which is key to their build-up to the World Cup qualifier in March.

The triangular series involves the hosts and Sri Lanka.

The Chevrons were scheduled to leave for Bangladesh on Tuesday but their departure was delayed due to flight connection problems.

However, Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed yesterday that the team will now fly out today and arrive in Bangladesh tomorrow ahead of their first match on Monday.

ZC spokesperson Darlington Majonga said they had some challenges after the series was rescheduled and the dates brought forward.

“We had a challenge because initially the tournament was supposed to start on the 18th, then they decided to shift the dates so that it would start on the 15th.

“The team will now be leaving tomorrow (today). We have secured all the connecting flights, everything is sorted. They will be leaving tomorrow at 5pm. And by Friday they will be in Bangladesh,” said Majonga.

Chevrons’ coach Heath Streak said earlier that he is hoping his side will be able to rediscover the fine form that saw them sealing a historic ODI series win over Sri Lanka last year.

Majonga said although the delay will not have much of an impact on the Chevrons’ plans, they would have wanted their team early in Bangladesh for acclimatisation before they take to the field on Monday for their first match against the hosts.

“There isn’t going to be any impact, any fierce impact. But we would have loved to have our guys in Bangladesh early so that they get to acclimatise and they get more days to practice there under those conditions.

“But still we don’t think they will be affected, we can’t start by giving excuses everything should be okay,” Majonga said.

The selectors retained the core of the side that toured South Africa last month with captain Graeme Cremer leading the team.

The Chevrons will face Bangladesh in the first match on Monday, before they take on Sri Lanka two days later.

After playing Sri Lanka again on January 21, Zimbabwe will then have a day’s rest before playing Bangladesh for the second time.

The final is set for January 27.

All matches will be day-night games and will be played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka.
Zimbabwe Squad: Hamilton Masakadza, Solomon Mire, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor, Sikandar Raza, Peter Moor, Malcolm Waller, Graeme Cremer (captain), Ryan Murray, Tendai Chisoro, Brandon Mavuta, Blessing Muzarabani, Christopher Mpofu, Tendai Chatara, Kyle Jarvis.