HAVING easily dispatched neighbours Namibia at the weekend, the Zimbabwe Under-19 cricket team faces a much tougher test when they clash with Bangladesh in a ninth Place Play-off Semi-Final match at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium Nursery 1 in Abu Dhabi today.
SPORTS REPORTER
Zimbabwe, who were almost disqualified from the tournament last week after inadvertently selecting five over-aged players overcame the scare to cruise to a six-wicket victory over Namibia in a ninth place play-off quarter final on Saturday.
It was just their second victory at the tournament after the win against Canada in the group stages where they also lost two matches against West Indies and South Africa to drop to the plate championship.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) said Zimbabwe selected five over-aged players in its squad due to a miscommunication and administrative error between Zimbabwe Cricket and the event organiser.
Zimbabwe was allowed to continue with the same set of players in the second half of the tournament starting on Saturday after ICC consulted with the Event Technical Committee.
The Walter Chawaguta-coached team will be hoping to put the controversy behind them when they take on a strong Bangladesh side today.
Bangladesh, who narrowly missed out on a place in the Super League quarter-finals are expected to give Zimbabwe tougher competition than they faced against Namibia.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
On Saturday, Bangladesh crushed Canada Under-19s by nine wickets in the playoff for the ninth place at the Under-19 World Cup.
Zimbabwe’s batting department, which flourished against the Namibians, will be wary of the Bangladesh bowlers who have made the most of the conditions in Abu Dhabi in their previous matches.
Only three Canadian batsmen reached double figures as it was bundled out for 75 in 27.1 overs. Bangladesh wasted little time, racing to the target in 13.5 overs and winning with 217 balls to spare.
Zimbabwe also comfortably beat the Canadians during the group stages and will be eager to stamp their authority against Bangladesh.
