Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE coach Justin Sammons cut a relaxed figure as he supervised training in Colombo yesterday – two days before their blockbuster showdown against Australia at the ICC T20 World Cup campaign.
The Chevrons got their campaign underway with an eight-wicket win over Oman.
“I thought we were superb against Oman,” he said.
“The guys were on it, especially with execution. A lot of what we planned came off.”
Australia sit top of the group with two points following a 67-run win over Ireland.
The Aussies posted 182 for six before bowling Ireland out for 115.
Zimbabwe, Australia and Sri Lanka all began with convincing victories and are separated only by net run rate.
Australia lead on 3.350, followed by Zimbabwe on 2.702 and Sri Lanka on 1.000. Ireland and Oman remain without a win.
Zimbabwe face Australia tomorrow, then Ireland and co-hosts Sri Lanka on February 13 and 18.
Sammons expects a sterner examination against the Australians and insists discipline will decide it.
“It’s going to come down to the execution of our skills,” he said.
“We’ve done our homework. We’ve looked at their strengths and the conditions. We’ll have a clear plan.
“But it means nothing if we don’t execute.”
Zimbabwe’s pace trio laid the platform against Oman.
Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava and Brad Evans shared nine wickets for 54 runs.
Each claimed three wickets, conceding 16, 17 and 18 runs respectively.
Muzarabani and Ngarava struck early in the powerplay, ripping through Oman’s top order and setting the tone for the chase.
Sammons wants that same intensity against Australia. “We can’t get ahead of ourselves,” he said. “There’s a long way to go. It’s one ball at a time, one game at a time.
“We’ll take confidence from the Oman result, but we stay grounded.”
He has urged his players to embrace the occasion.
“It’s a big opportunity, playing one of the best sides in the world,” he said.
“Australia have a strong World Cup record. This is our chance to show what we can do.”
The only concern from the Oman match was Brendan Taylor, who retired hurt during Zimbabwe’s chase.
The senior batter is awaiting scan results.
“We’re waiting for confirmation from the scan,” Sammons said. “Once we have that, we’ll know how to move forward.”
