Can Lady Chevrons bounce back?

Blessing Malinganiza, blessing.malinganiza @zimpapers.co.zw

BRUISED Lady Chevrons will seek to redeem themselves today when they face Pakistan in the second ODI at National Bank Stadium in Karachi.

Captain Nomvelo Sibanda admitted her team did not turn up following the 168-run defeat, but they are not throwing in the towel.

“Tomorrow is not just about staying in the series. It is about showing we belong at this level,” she said.

The numbers make grim reading for Zimbabwe. Pakistan posted 330 for 5, their highest total against any full member nation, with Sadaf Shamas falling two runs shy of a maiden century.

Zimbabwe’s bowling attack, lacked both penetration and discipline, leaking 68 runs in the final five overs alone.

In reply, only Beloved Biza (53) offered resistance as the batting order collapsed from 86 for 2 to 162 all out.

On the team’s overall effort despite the loss, Sibanda it was a mountain to climb.

“It was a tough game, but there were glimpses of brilliance. I thought the team did their best at the end to bring the game back.”

Sibanda said they will build from the good work they did in the series opener.

“We had a few good catches, including a brilliant one from Christina. So, yes, that was a good effort.

“We saw the bowlers using the slower deliveries in the right areas later in the innings. It was just about changing the pace, those change-ups were very crucial.

“We took a few lessons from this game. We worked on them and will try to execute them in the next match,” she said.

Zimbabwe have never beaten Pakistan in any format, and today’s match gives them a chance to rewrite history.