Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE’s first group 1 match in the Super 8 against West Indies at Wankhede on Monday afternoon will not be a stroll in the Park.
The match starts 15:30 (CAT).
Both the Chevrons and West Indies had not been given a chance to make it to this stage by the book makers.
But West Indies go in as favourites given their track record in recent T20 World Cups.
For Zimbabwe, this has been nothing short of a miracle.
Going into the game, there are two players that could have a big say in the result.
Muzarabani v Shai Hope
Blessing Muzarabani is an early wicket-taker and a serial wicket-taker. He has height, pace and discipline on lengths that can be threatening, especially with the new ball. He also bowls at the death where he generally goes on the shorter side peppered in with the odd slower ball. That’s as all-conditions as it gets in T20s, and form is on his side too.
West Indies have a clear batting approach outlined by regular boundary hitting, and Shai Hope is the initiator and the glue as he sets up and builds innings. He has the virtues of an upgraded anchor who does not have to shut down when the team is on the back foot. He is coming off two fifties, the second of which against Nepal saw him power through even as wickets fell at the other end.
The Summary
Two years ago, Zimbabwe failed to qualify for the T20 World Cup. Not only did they make the competition this time, they entered the Super Eights unbeaten.
First, it was Muzarabani who shut Australia down on a slow pitch in Colombo. Then their top four silenced the Khettarama crowd by chasing down 189 against Sri Lanka. The common factor in those wins were also Brian Bennett’s fifties and Sikandar Raza’s quick cameos. Muzarabani and Brad Evans are also among the top-ten wicket-takers in the tournament.
With contributions from several players, Zimbabwe could prove a handful for West Indies in Mumbai. They will have to make a quick adjustment, though, having played all their group matches in Sri Lanka, while West Indies have already played twice at the Wankhede.
These two sides have faced each other only four times in T20 internationals. When lined up player-against-player, West Indies – also undefeated – look stronger with bat, with an in-form Shai Hope, a rejuvenated Shimron Hetmyer at No. 3, and a solid finisher in Sherfane Rutherford.
Having as many as three allrounders – with Romario Shepherd in line to return after injury – gives them the option of playing three fast bowlers and three spinners. It’s an ideal mix in Mumbai, where the quicks (35 wickets) and spinners (34) have been equally effective, averaging 26.28 and 26.25 respectively this tournament.
It’s a big game for both sides, especially after India’s 76-run defeat to South Africa on Sunday. Who will get on the points table next?
-Zimpapers Sports Hub/ Cricinfo
