HARARE: Star batsman Sikandar Raza replaced injured captain Craig Ervine as Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bowl in the second one-day international against Ireland in Harare on Saturday.
Pakistan-born Raza missed the Twenty20 series between the countries this month, which Zimbabwe won 2-1, as he was playing franchise cricket in Bangladesh.
Returning for the longer one-day format, his 43 helped Zimbabwe win a thrilling, rain-affected first ODI thanks to a boundary from wicketkeeper Clive Madande off the final ball.
Raza has been nominated for three ICC 2022 awards – Cricketer of the Year, ODI Cricketer of the Year and T20 Cricketer of the Year.
His decision to field first was influenced by the fact that all four T20 and ODI matches between the sides this month have been won by the team batting second.
Adair hits 65 as Ireland beat Zimbabwe to level T20 series
Ireland also had a change of captaincy with Paul Stirling taking over from Andy Balbirnie, who suffered concussion after being struck on the head during the first ODI three days ago.
Teams
Zimbabwe
Innocent Kaia, Tawananyasha Marumani, Chamu Chibhabha, Gary Ballance, Sikandar Raza (capt), Ryan Burl, Clive Madande (wkt), Brad Evans, Richard Ngarava, Tendai Chatara, Victor Nyauchi
Ireland
Paul Stirling (capt), Stephen Doheny, Murray Commins, Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Lorcan Tucker (wkt), Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, Graham Hume, Josh Little
Umpires: Michael Gough (ENG), Forster Mutizwa (ZIM)
TV umpire: Christopher Phiri (ZIM)
Match referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM)
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