ZIMBABWE have charmed neutrals with their magnificent brand of cricket at the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, and today they aim to take a decisive step toward the Super 8 stage.
The Chevrons face Ireland at the scenic Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, 125 km from their usual base in Colombo, with the clash set for 1130am Zimbabwean time.
The Chevrons are looking good and a nagging menace to any opposition encroaching on their zone of space. Their opening pair, led by the explosive Tadiwanashe Marumani and talent Brian Bennett, who has been given an anchor role, has been delivering the goods up front. Brendan Taylor, out injured, Ryan Burl, and team captain Sikandar Raza have carried on the carnage, giving Zimbabwe good runs on the board.
On the bowling front, Blessing Muzarabani has been phenomenal, as have Richard Ngarava and Brad Evans.
The spinners — Wellington Masakadza, Raza, Graeme Cremer, and Bennett — have tightened the screws, keeping runs under control.
But it has been excellent fielding, turning the team into a well-oiled all-round machine. Air marshals Tony Munyonga and Bennett have taken jaw-dropping catches, while Tashinga Musekiwa and Clive Madande have been flawless behind the stumps — a testament to fielding coach Stuart Matsikenyeri’s work.
The team now functions like a well-oiled, all-round machine.
After spirited performances against Oman and Australia, the belief is very firm, and confidence is at its all-time high.
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Oman were blown away in a 8-wicket win, while Australia lost by 23 runs to keep the Super 8 dream alive.
"We've still got to go out and produce the goods, so it's about one ball at a time. It doesn't matter who you play. It's about playing what's in front of you," said Chevrons' head coach Justin Sammons.
"You're not playing the man, you are playing what's in front of you in terms of the ball."
The Chevrons are currently second in Group B with 4 points, having won both their matches against Oman and Australia. To qualify for the Super 8, they need to win at least one of their remaining two matches against Ireland and Sri Lanka.
If Zimbabwe wins both, they will likely top Group B and secure a spot in the Super 8. Even if they win one and lose one, they will still be in contention, depending on the results of other matches. Their net run rate of +1.984 is also a plus.
"It's really hard to get to (T20 World Cup), you know, go through the Qualifiers, which is a lot of pressure. So to be here in itself is amazing. It is a big occasion, you don't take that for granted," Sammons added.
"But the process still stays the same. Nothing gets less important than trying to get that job done.
Sri Lanka are currently leading Group B with 4 points, and Australia are third with 2 points. Both sides clashed in a night match here yesterday.
After today’s match,
Zimbabwe will face Sri Lanka on Thursday.
