Sibanda returns for Zimbabwe

Vusi Sibanda as expected, has been picked in Zimbabwe's squad of 15 for the first unofficial Twenty20 of the tri-series against South Africa and Bangladesh. Opening batsman Sibanda was not considered for Zimbabwe's tour of New Zealand in January, after he chose to play grade cricket in Australia instead of fulfilling domestic commitments in Zimbabwe.

Left-arm spinner Ray Price and wicketkeeper Tatenda Taibu are left out from the squad due to injuries - Price has a hamstring niggle, while Taibu is recovering from a finger injury. Taibu's absence means captain Brendan Taylor will keep wickets.

Being the hosts allows Zimbabwe the opportunity to experiment with their combination, chairman of selectors Givemore Makoni said. "Since we are playing at home, we have the flexibility to change the squad as we go along," Makoni said. "So the squad we are announcing is only for the first Twenty20 match."

Zimbabwe play Bangladesh in the tournament opener on Sunday.

Zimbabwe squad for first Twenty20
Vusi Sibanda, Hamilton Masakadza, Brendan taylor (capt & wk), Elton Chigumbura, Craig Ervine, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Graeme Cremer, Prosper Utseya, Richard Muzhange, Chris Mpofu, Kyle Jarvis, Shingi Masakadza, Malcom Waller, Regis Chakabva, Brian Vitori