HARARE - Zimbabwe opening batsman Vusi Sibanda has been dropped for today’s third ODI against Afghanistan in Bulawayo and will be replaced by wicketkeeper batsman Richmond Mutumbami.
Sibanda played in the opening ODI at Queens Sports Club and scored four runs from 14 balls in Zimbabwe’s six-wicket win.
This prompted Zimbabwe national selector Givemore Makoni to axe the Mid West Rhinos batsman for the rest of the Afghanistan series.
“Following indifferent performances with the bat by Zimbabwe opener Vusimuzi Sibanda, the latest of which ended with him out for four runs in the first One-Day International (ODI) match against Afghanistan at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Friday, he was left out of the squad for the second ODI which was played yesterday (Sunday),” said Zimbabwe Cricket spokesperson Lovemore Banda.
“Convener of selectors Givemore Makoni sat down with the player and told him that because of his performances, he would not be considered for any of the remaining matches of the series but could remain in Bulawayo and train with the squad.
“Sibanda then opted to go and work on his game in Harare. Makoni said that after the Afghanistan tour, Sibanda will join the squad for the forthcoming tours by South Africa and Australia so that the selectors can look at him again.”
Mutumbami was in magnificent form for Zimbabwe A in the second warm up match against Afghanistan top scoring with 73 runs.
Zimbabwe Squad for the third ODI
Brendan Taylor (Captain), Sikandar Raza Butt, Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chatara, Elton Chigumbura, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Timycen Maruma, Hamilton Masakadza, Shingirai Masakadza, Natsai M’shangwe, Richmond Mutumbami, Tinashe Panyangara, Donald Tiripano, Prosper Utseya, Malcolm Waller, Sean Williams.