Led by all-rounder Elton Chigumbura (main photo), Zimbabwe will struggle to make an impression at the forthcoming World Cup, which sees them as one of the two weakest full member nations alongside Bangladesh.

It could not be a tougher start for them, either, with Pool B kicking off against neighbours South Africa in Hamilton on February 15.

Their most likely victories should come against the Associate nations in United Arab Emirates in Nelson and Ireland at Hobart, although Cricket Badger Predicts the Irish to come out on top in that clash.

Experienced batsman Hamilton Masakadza plays in his first World Cup despite debuting way back in 2001.

Their star batsman is Brendan Taylor, a man with six international hundreds to his name at the age of 28, all against full member countries but none since October 2011 when he scored two in three days against New Zealand. He should also take the gloves.

The experience of batsmen Craig Ervine and Sean Williams will be complemented by Pakistan-born Sikandar Raza, who has only played 21 one-day internationals following his debut in 2013 and can bowl some useful off-spinners.

Their new ball attack is likely to be made up of Tinashe Panyangara and Tendai Chatara, while there is a return to the international fold for fellow seamer Tawanda Mupariwa, who has been out of the picture since 2009.

Zimbabwe’s confidence will not be high heading Down Under having lost their most recent series 5-0 away in Bangladesh prior to Christmas.

One bright spark could be all-rounder Solomon Mire, who has plenty of experience of Aussie conditions having played grade cricket there and T20 cricket for the Melbourne Renegades.

Badger Predicts

A tough tournament with an early flight home.

Squad

Elton Chigumbura, Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chatara, Chamu Chibhabha, Craig Ervine, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Hamilton Masakadza, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Solomon Mire, Tawanda Mupariwa, Tinashe Panyangara, Brendan Taylor, Prosper Utseya, Sean Williams