Harare, June 3: Zimbabwe has named Pakistan-born Sikander Raza Butt among eight newcomers in a 32-man squad to face Australia A and South Africa A in a limited-overs tri-series from the end of the month.
The 24-year-old opener, who migrated to Zimbabwe with his family nine years ago, has been one of the best batsmen in the domestic league for three seasons.
Also in line to debut are pace bowler Tendai Chatara and legspinner Natsayi Mushangwe, who played in last year's Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand.
After the tri-series, which opens on June 29, Zimbabwe will meet the Australian second-stringers in two four-day matches in preparation for the return to the test arena, where it will play a one-off match against Bangladesh in Harare in July.
Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza Butt, Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chatara, Chamu Chibhabha, Maxwell Chifamba, Elton Chigumbura, Mike Chinouya, Charles Coventry, Graeme Cremer, Terry Duffin, Tochukwu Enwerem, Craig Ervine, Kyle Jarvis, Greg Lamb, Lovemore Manatsa, Hamilton Masakadza, Shingi Masakadza, Tinotenda Mawoyo, Keegan Meth, Chris Mpofu, Natsayi Mushangwe, Foster Mutizwa, Njabulo Ncube, Ian Nicolson, Tinashe Panyangara, Ed Rainsford, Ray Price, Vusi Sibanda, Tatenda Taibu, Brendan Taylor, Prosper Utseya, Brian Vitori. AP
