BY ALBERT MARUFU MID-WEST Rhinos medium fast bowler Richard Muzhange is excited about his debut appearance at the Twenty20 World Cup in Sri Lanka next month. Muzhange, the only uncapped player in the squad, announced this week his hopes to emulate fellow bowler Brian Vitori in making an impact on his debut. Caged in Pool C, Zimbabwe play the tournament’s opening match against hosts Sri Lanka on September 18 at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium with the one against South Africa following two days later.
The 21-year-old Muzhange, who was part of the squad that represented Zimbabwe in the unofficial Tri-Nations series featuring Zimbabwe, South Africa and Bangladesh two months ago, said he was looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead.
“I am very excited about the call-up to the national team and have been working hard for this. My aim is to win the World Cup with Zimbabwe and hopefully it will come on my debut. I hope to make an impression and I am sure that as a team we will make it. It will be difficult, but we have to be competitive,” he said.
Muzhange rose to prominence during the Stanbic Twenty20 matches where he eclipsed Australian bowler Shaun Tait at Mid-West Rhinos to lead the team into the semi-finals.
At Mid West Rhinos, Muzhange was coached by the Australian great Jason Gillespie.
Apart from Muzhange, there were no surprises in the Zimbabwe squad that has seen Ray Price bouncing back.
Also in are the experienced batsmen Vusi Sibanda, captain and wicket-keeper Brandon Taylor, Craig Ervine, Hamilton Masakakadza and Malcolm Waller. The bowling attack has the experienced Price, Brian Vitori, Kyle Jarvis, Elton Chigumbura and Chris Mpofu.
However, Muzhange’s inclusion came at the cost of Shingi Masakadza.
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Zimbabwe coach Allan Butcher said Muzhange’s presence in the team would provide the cutting edge to the team.
“Muzhange is a good lad who is very much willing to learn. It is good that we have someone in the team who can bowl yorkers. I think he will be a handful to many batsmen in Sri Lanka,” he said.
Butcher said his team would target at winning their first game against Sri Lanka as the hosts will have too much pressure on their hands. “Sri Lanka are a good side with very good players, but usually home teams will be under pressure. We hope to take advantage of this and win the match. Our target is the Super 8,” said Butcher.
Squad: Brendan Taylor, Hamilton Masakadza, Vusi Sibanda, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Craig Ervine, Elton Chigumbura, Malcolm Waller, Ray Price, Prosper Utseya, Graeme Cremer, Kyle Jarvis, Richards Muzhange, Brian Vitori, Forster Mutizwa, Christopher Mpofu
Non–travelling reserves: Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chatara, Shingi Masakadza, Richmond Mutumbami, Tino Mutombodzi
