Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE are staring down the barrel but not backing down.
After a gutsy bowling display on day two, the Chevrons will be banking on grit and patience with the bat when they resume their first Test clash against New Zealand this morning at Queens Sports Club.
They head into day three trailing by 127 runs and in a delicate position at 31 for 2, having lost both openers late on Wednesday.
Ben Curran fell for 11 while Brian Bennett was dismissed for 18, both undone by some fine seam bowling from Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke.
Now, the burden rests on Nick Welch, who resumes on two not out off 18 balls, and nightwatchman Vincent Masekesa, yet to score after facing 13 deliveries.
The pair will need to steady the innings and absorb early pressure from the Blackcaps pace attack.
After dismissing New Zealand for 230 in their first innings, Zimbabwe will need to bat big to stand any chance of forcing a result.
The home side’s bowlers had put in a spirited effort to stay in the contest, with Tanaka Chivanga and Blessing Muzarabani leading the charge and earning praise for their discipline and bounce control.
But it’s the batters who now have to deliver.
Chevrons captain Craig Ervine has already stressed the importance of his team avoiding the passive approach that cost them against South Africa earlier this year.
“Sometimes we went into a shell a little bit against South Africa,” said Ervine. “This time, we want a different mindset — be positive, score runs, and get into the game.”
Queens Sports Club will once again be the theatre of hope as fans look to the middle order to produce something special.
With Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, and Tafadzwa Tsiga still to come, the Chevrons have enough firepower to mount a comeback — but only if the top order can weather the early storm.
