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Chamu Chibhabha

Sports Reporter
Chamu Chibhabha made a big statement yesterday in his quest for a place in the final World Cup team when he scored a ton to help Zimbabwe A beat touring Canada by 111 runs in the first unofficial One Day International at Harare Sports Club.The Mashonaland Eagles batsman was the outstanding performer for the hosts with his impressive 155 runs and then wrapping up his act with a wicket.

Chibhabha featured in eight partnerships and plundered five sixes and 12 boundaries in an innings that lasted over three and half hours.

Zimbabwe A scored 287/8 in their 50 overs yesterday with Stuart Matsikenyeri weighing in with 50 runs.

And with the selectors set to announce their final World Cup team today, Chibhabha will surely be itching for recognition after having frozen out of the national team set up since March 2013 when the side toured the West Indies.

Although his performances in the franchise league, the opening batsman had a commendable outing with the Takashinga side that toured Uganda in December, where he scored two quality half centuries in the closing matches.

Zimbabwe are set to name their World Cup squad this afternoon with many hopefuls looking to make the travelling party. Medium pacer Tawanda Mupariwa is also looking to end a six-year absence after picking up four wickets yesterday to pin down the Canadians at 176/6 in their 50 overs.

The selectors have been busy at work in recent weeks after naming a 30-member provisional squad which included six players who made their international debuts last year.

The panel is expected to have their final meeting this morning to trim the team down to the final 15 short-list to be submitted to the International Cricket Council before the close of the deadline today.  Newly-appointed coach Dav Whatmore is part of the selection panel which also includes ODI captain Elton Chigumbura and long-serving administrator Babu Meman. The selectors are basing their choices on the players’ performances in the domestic league, the recent tour to Bangladesh and last year’s triangular series which also involved South Africa and Australia.

“They are almost through with the process. They will meet again tomorrow (today).”

Full Squad  

Elton Chigumbura, Sikandar Raza Butt, Brendan Taylor,  Regis Chakabva, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Hamilton Masakadza, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Sean Williams, Solomon Mire,  Tendai Chatara, Shingirai Masakadza, Tinashe Panyangara, Prosper Utseya, Brian Vitori, Malcolm Waller, John Nyumbu, Craig Ervine, Peter Moore, Tawanda Mupariwa, Natsai M’shangwe, Vusimuzi Sibanda, Brian Chari, Neville Madziva, Tinotenda Mawoyo, Timycen Maruma, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Cuthbert Musoko, Richmond Mutumbami, Luke Jongwe, and Cephas Zhuwao.