Zimbabwe player profiles

We look at Zimbabwe's squad for the World Twenty20 in South Africa.

Skysports.com looks at Zimbabwe's squad for the World Twenty20 in South Africa. Prosper Utseya (captain)
A very tidy if non-threatening offspin bowler, an economy rate around four shows he could have a role to play in this format where spinners have confounded expectations. A useful batsman down the order, his performances have tailed off after being handed the poisoned chalice of captaining a side. Gary Brent
One of the more experienced members of the squad, medium-pacer Brent's international career appeared over in 2004 when he was one of the 15 rebel players in dispute with the board. But he was handed a recall for the Champions Trophy and has stayed in the side. His control of direction and variation of pace make him worthy of respect. Recently hit his first international 50, in an ODI against South Africa. Chamu Chibhabha
One of several young players thrust into international cricket as Zimbabwe cricket hit the self-destruct button, Chibhabha has held his nerve as well as anyone. A batting all-rounder with sound technique, he showed his ability with back-to-back 50s against West Indies in 2006. A back problem has limited his useful seam bowling, and it's his batting that remains his stronger suit. Elton Chigumbura
Another young all-rounder who has tried to make the most of his chance in the absence of Zimbabwe's senior players, Chigumbura is a hard-hitting batsman and capable seam bowler. An ODI strike-rate of above 80 makes him one of Zimbabwe's key men if they are to have any impact in South Africa. Keith Dabengwa
A left-arm spinner who is also capable of some powerful blows down the order. A product of the Zimbabwe academy, he has so far found international cricket a tough school, but the hard-working and rarely shirks the challenge and has the courage to give the ball plenty of air. Like most of the Zim squad, an athletic fielder. Tymsen Maruma
A tall offspinner enjoying his first taste of international cricket, Maruma has forced his way into international recognition with a hugely impressive domestic season, picking up 36 wickets at better than 18. His liking for giving it the long handle when batting is certain to prove crucial. Hamilton Masakadza
Masakadza was still a schoolboy when he became, at 17 years and 254 days old, the youngest player ever to make a century on Test debut (against West Indies in 2000-1). That record has since been eclipsed by Mohammad Ashraful, and Masakadza's studies at the University of Free State have limited his chances for Zimbabwe. Despite that, he remains one of Zim's most technically gifted batsman and a key man in this squad. Stuart Matsikinyeri
A diminutive but talented right-handed batsman, Matsikenyeri has perhaps failed to live up to his early promise. Refused a contract in early 2006, but returned to the fold with the lure of an imminent World Cup. Has struggled against quality pace bowling, but always battles hard. Johnson Marumisa
A hard-hitting opening batsman. Still yet to play international cricket and must have thought his chance had gone before a surprise call-up for this tournament. Hits the ball as hard as anyone in the squad, but could struggle against opposition of this class. Christopher Mpofu
A fast-medium bowler given his chance by the rebel exodus, Mpofu looks to have something about him despite a modest record in international cricket, generating awkward bounce from a high action. Tawanda Mupariwa
An accurate new-ball pace bowler with a slender build who has a good inswinger and a deceptive slower ball. The right-armer has been successful with the ball since coming into the side and is a committed fielder. Vusimusi Sibanda
A right-handed batsman and a superb timer of the ball who plays predominantly off the front foot but has poor shot selection. He made a career-best ODI score of 116 against Bermuda in May 2006. Announced his international retirement at just 23 years old after the World Cup, but had a change of heart and has been given another chance. Tatenda Taibu
The diminutive wicketkeeper raised eyebrows when returning to Zimbabwe's side this year after retiring and then announcing his intention to sit out the four-year residency qualification to play for South Africa. Captained an inexperienced side after Heath Streak's resignation before finding himself at the head of another revolt. One of few genuinely talented players in the squad, his return can only strengthen the side. Brendon Taylor
A talented and aggressive middle-order batsman, capable of taking on any attack though he can be undone by lack of footwork. Kept wicket in the absence of Taibu, but will presumably be happy to be able to concentrate fully on batting - by far his stronger suit. Sean Williams
One of the bright young things in Zimbabwe cricket, Williams is a technically-sound left-handed top-order batsman and useful left-arm spinner. As with most of the squad, has had his run-ins with the Zimbabwe board, turning down a central contract in pursuit of a more settled career overseas before an eventual change of heart.