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Tinashe Kusema,Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE stand on the edge of the Super Eight with their fate firmly in their own hands as they face Ireland this morning at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
A win will seal passage to the next round and confirm the Chevrons as one of the standout sides of the group after a campaign built on discipline, belief and clarity of purpose.
Sri Lanka’s eight wicket win over Australia yesterday tightened Zimbabwe’s grip on second place and left the equation simple. Beat Ireland and the job is done.
Head coach Justin Sammons believes the formula that carried Zimbabwe to victories over Oman and Australia must remain unchanged.
“Blessing and Brian have been outstanding for us and we want to see more of the same,” said Sammons.
“With Blessing it’s not just this tournament, he has been our key bowler for a long time. He just gets on with his work and keeps delivering for the team.
“Brian brings real calmness for such a young player. Nothing seems to faze him and that has been incredible to watch.”
Blessing Muzarabani has led the bowling effort with six wickets in two matches, setting the tone with accuracy and relentless pressure, while Brian Bennett has anchored the batting with unbeaten scores of 48 and 69 that steadied Zimbabwe in both victories.
Their form has mirrored a team that has grown in confidence with each outing.
Zimbabwe’s win over Australia was built on clarity with the bat and intensity in the field, qualities Sammons wants repeated against Ireland.
“It was always going to be a tough group and beating Australia goes a long way,” he said.
“Progression is still in our hands and that’s what we want. What has brought us here is the way the guys have stuck to the plan.
“Against Australia, we knew we were not going to try out muscle them. We focused on our process, ran hard between the wickets and brought real energy in the field.
“Now, we have to keep doing the same things. It doesn’t matter who we play, you still have to play what’s in front of you.”
Sri Lanka remain unbeaten at the top of Group B with six points while Zimbabwe sit second on four. Australia and Ireland are level on two points and Oman have already been eliminated.
Zimbabwe still have two matches left, with Sri Lanka to come later this week, but victory over Ireland would remove any doubt and secure their place in the next phase of the competition.
Defeat would leave the door open and shift attention to the final group match, with net run rate potentially deciding the outcome if teams finish level on points.
For now, the message inside the Zimbabwe camp is simple. Stay calm, trust what has worked and finish the job.
Online Reporter