Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HOSTS Zimbabwe have set sights on a perfect finish to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier when they rekindle their rivalry with Namibia in the final at Harare Sports Club this afternoon.
The cup final starts at 1:50pm.
It will be preceded by the third-place play-off between Kenya and Tanzania at 9:30 am.
On a day full of cricket today, across town at Takashinga in Highfield, the other play-offs for fifth and seventh places will be taking place.
But all eyes will be on hosts Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club.
The Chevrons, just like the Namibians, have had a flawless run in their campaign with 100 percent wins that earned the teams the two slots for next year’s ICC T20 World Cup finals to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
They joined South Africa as the three continental representatives at the global event. Ahead of this afternoon’s final, where one team will be crowned champions, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza hinted the Chevrons would want to continue with the winning momentum.
“When the tournament started, we didn’t just set out to qualify for the World Cup. We wanted to win the trophy and we have a very important match, so we don’t want to get too ahead of ourselves.
“We have a very crucial match coming up on Saturday and Inshallah, we want to try and win that as well because we want to build a happy and a winning changing room.
“It can only be done if you take every game out there that presents itself and then you try and put your best foot forward and try and win it,” said Raza.
Zimbabwe romped into the final courtesy of a seven-wicket victory over Kenya on Thursday. The win also ensured they bounced back to the big stage after missing out on the 2024 edition which they failed to qualify.
With the ticket now in the bag, the Chevrons feel still obligated to end the tournament with a flourish. Namibia have been the bogey boys of late, but Zimbabwe put them in their place with a 2-1 win in a T20I series that preceded that qualifiers.
The Chevrons still reckon the Namibians cannot be taken lightly as they demonstrated in this tournament after thoroughly dominating their opponents.
They were too strong for Tanzania in the semi-finals and have seen top class performances from players such as JJ SMIT, Nicol Loftie-Eaton and Jan Frylinck.
Namibia have now qualified for the last four Men’s T20 World Cups and will look to emulate their Super 12 success in 2021.
There could be slight changes for both teams in today’s finals to rest some players that have been involved in all the games and giving others that have not played a chance.
Zimbabwe captain Raza said the Chevrons will be careful despite the few knocks in their camp.
“I cannot answer the changes part. Of course, there are boys who are carrying niggles so we will assess them on the day of the game.
“But as a captain I always speak to the player if he thinks he can give me 100 percent then I will always back him.
“All of us carry niggles but once we go out there we just put our heart on the sleeve and play for Zimbabwe with a lot of pride and with those emotions sometimes those niggles you just completely forget about them.
“If you’re in pain as well you’re going to have to learn to deal with that.
“So, changes we’ll see what we have to make, if we have to make, and it is a very important game for us. There’s a trophy to win and we’re going to do our best to win the trophy,” said Raza.
The Zimbabwe skipper will also seek to unite the fans as it has emerged there is a growing rift between the traditional Castle Corner and the tireless brass band.
“I’m a very balanced guy. I want a bit of both. So, I think those two – the band and the Castle Corner – must work hand in hand.
“They should have their time to sing and the band to have their time to play as well. So, hopefully in the next game I’ll go to them and tell them ‘listen you two have to learn to work together’,” said Raza.
