The two teams met during the Triangular Series that also included Australia last year. The Zimbabweans lost, but this is a new ball game altogether and they could spring a surprise.
The Chevrons have not had the best of preparations – failing to attract friendly matches against top cricket playing nations with their only opposition of note being a Canadian side that toured the country in January. Former captain Prosper Utseya has come out in the open saying the game against the South Africans will be key to their campaign. “A win against South Africa will make us stronger for the games that will come later,” said Utseya.
Apart from South Africa, Zimbabwe are also in the same group with India, Pakistan, the West Indies, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates. Four teams from the group qualify for the Super Eight Stage.
Zimbabwe hope to beat minnows Ireland and the UAE and also to upset one of the big boys to ge through to the next stage.
Coach Dave Whatmore has set his team the target of reaching the Super Eight stage. This would demand that the likes of Test captain Brendon Taylor, Elton Chigumbura, Masakadza, Craig Ervine, and Sikanda Raza Butt improve on their run rate while at the same time ensuring that they do not concede many wickets.
Tinashe Panyangarara has so far been outstanding taking wickets at will in the run up to the finals and he needs to maintain that form – especially in the opening game if Zimbabwe are to make any impression in the tournament.
Zimbabwe were eliminated in the first round of the tournament last time. The best they have done was to qualify for the second round in 2003.
Post published in: Cricket