Harare: Promising top-order batsman Dylon Higgins will captain Zimbabwe in the Under-19 World Cup to be held in New Zealand early next year. His deputy will be Peter Moor who appeared in the 2008 edition that was hosted in Malaysia. Spinning allrounder Tino Mutombodzi, will also be participating in his second U-19 World Cup.

Batsman Nathan Waller, legspinner Natsai Mushangwe and fast bowler Tendai Chitara, who have been in good form for their respective domestic franchises, were automatic selections to the squad.

The team will feature in warm-up matches against local teams in Cape Town, before heading to New Zealand. Coach Kevin Curran put his hopes on the balanced nature of the side and the variety in the spin department. "We have three legspinners and an offspinner," Curran said. "We will probably play two spinners depending on conditions. In the seam department we have six fast bowlers of which three are allrounders. We've got good balance all-round."

Zimbabwe are grouped with hosts New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Canada in the preliminary phase. Curran was optimistic his team would get the two wins needed to progress to the Super Eights. "We should beat Canada easily and try to get another win over Sri Lanka or New Zealand."

Squad: Dylon Higgins (capt), Peter Moor, Gary Chirimuta, Dean Mazhawidza, Andrew Lindsay, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Nathan Waller, Natsayi Mushangwe, Callum Price, Steve Chimhamhiwa, Richard Muzhange, Simon Mugava, Scott Daly, Mazvita Zambuko, Tendai Chitara.