Zimbabwe have picked Shingirai Masakadza in their squad to face Ireland in three one-day internationals, but have made no further changes to the squad that played in the tri-series in June.

 Shingirai Masakadza, the brother of batsman Hamilton, replaces Andy Blignaut, who is yet to make an appearance in domestic cricket this season.

Masakadza on the other hand has opened the bowling for his franchise and took six wickets for the Mountaineers against the Mashonaland Eagles in a four-day match this week.

Although he hasn't scored many runs in the opening fixtures of the season, Masakadza generally bats at number seven and can fill the allrounder's role.

Ireland agreed to add the one-day series onto their tour, and will play an Intercontinental Cup fixture on September 20 before the one-day matches begin on September 26.

Zimbabwe's fortunes have improved recently and they impressed during the June tri-series when they beat India (twice) and Sri Lanka before losing to the latter in the final, although both Asian sides left their best players at home.

Zimbabwe squad: Elton Chigumbura (capt), Graeme Cremer, Chamu Chibhabha, Charles Coventry, Craig Ervine, Greg Lamb, Hamilton Masakadza, Shingirai Masakadza, Chris Mpofu, Ray Price, Ed Rainsford, Vusi Sibanda, Tatenda Taibu, Brendan Taylor, Prosper Utseya.

By Staff reporter and agencies