Innocent Kaia returns as Zimbabwe announce squad for WC qualifiers

Hosts Zimbabwe have announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup qualifiers, with wicket-keeper Joylord Gumbie, Tadiwanashe Marumani and Innocent Kaia being picked for the event. They have been added in place of Regis Chakabva, Milton Shumba and Tony Munyonga, who all are part of the T20 World Cup last year.

Gumbie was impressive in the A-series against Pakistan Shaheens in which he scored hundreds in both the first-class and List A formats and scored a century against a touring Glamorgan side. Marumani was the highest run-scorer  in Zimbabwe's Pro50 Championship last summer and that added to his credentials. Innocent Kaia, who had been a part of the senior Zimbabwe side in the past, was also among the runs in the A-series against the Shaheens.

With the likes of Sean Williams, Blessing Muzarabani, Luke Jongwe and Sikandar Raza in the side, the Craig Ervine-led unit can aim to upset the apple cart. They are grouped alongside Nepal, Netherlands, USA and West Indies and will play all their first-round matches at Harare Sports Club.

According to the league structure, three teams from each group will make it to the Super Sixes, where they will play against the three teams from the other group. The top two teams from the Super Six stage will advance to the World Cup in India later in October-November.

Zimbabwe squad 

Ryan Burl, Tendai Chatara, Craig Ervine (capt), Bradley Evans, Joylord Gumbie, Luke Jongwe, Innocent Kaia, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams