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Hamilton Masakadza

Paul Munyuki Harare Bureau
ZIMBABWE will be looking to put memories of the disappointing 0-3 ODI series whitewash behind them when they take on India in the first of two Twenty20 internationals at Harare Sports Club this afternoon.

Batsman Hamilton Masakadza believes they could be competitive in the shorter version of the game.

“I think the main thing is to keep being competitive and get ourselves into those winning positions, because the more we get there the easier it will be to learn how to get over the line,” said Chigumbura.

“Hopefully, the gap (between the Zimbabwe and India) won’t be too big like it was in the last two ODIs, and if we keep getting into good positions we’ll work out how to pull off some victories.”

Zimbabwe have drafted batsman Charles Coventry, offspinner John Nyumbu and uncapped seamer Taurai Muzarabani into their squad but will be without two key players, Sean Williams and Tinashe Panyangara.

Both were forced out due to injuries.

Batsman Craig Ervine passed a fitness test on Tuesday after overcoming a hamstring strain that kept him out of the ODIs and will be part of the squad.

“The T20 is a different challenge, we have a bit of new faces in the squad now, the likes of Muzarabani. I know we have not given our fans much to cheer about but they have been behind us and we have to work hard,” said Masakadza.

“We don’t get as many games (compared to India) but we have to work with what we have.

“We still have sometime till we get to the T20 championship and we have to get ourselves onto those winning positions.”

Indian captain Rahane feels the T20s will be a perfect opportunity for his younger players to express themselves.

“It’s an opportunity for the young players again, they did well in the ODIs but this will be a different challenge and we will have to be on our toes all the time.

“I think because these are afternoon games, the wicket will be a lot better but slow and we have to adjust quickly as this is a shorter version of the game and there is not much time to settle.

“Most of the players in the (India) squad have considerable experience from the IPL and domestic competitions back home but we will have to give it 100 percent in commitment and the attitude has to be right,” said Rahane .

Zimbabwe Squad

Elton Chigumbura (Captain), Sikandar Raza Butt, Chamu Chibhabha, Charles Coventry, Graeme Creamer, Craig Ervine, Neville Madziva, Hamilton Masakadza, Christopher Mpofu, Taurai Muzarabani, John Nyumbu, Donald Tiripano, Prosper Utseya, Brian Vitori, Malcolm Waller