Andrew
ZIMBABWE have put themselves in good stead to make the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after their giant-killing act against Pakistan on Thursday .
Captain Craig Ervine wants the team to stay focused.
The Chevrons prevailed against 2009 champions Pakistan in a final-ball thriller in Perth, Australia.
They are now level with South Africa at three points, a point behind group leaders India.
“Look, we have got a huge chance to make the semis,” said the Ervine.
“It requires us to win against Bangladesh and also to beat Netherlands, and then we have got our final game against India.
“I think we are probably just looking at tomorrow (today) and trying to concentrate on tomorrow’s game, and putting in a good performance. And then after that, we can look at the Netherlands and plan our way forward from there.”
Bangladesh are smarting from a 104-run defeat to South Africa on Thursday.
The Chevrons skipper is, however, not reading much into the result.
“We know that Bangladesh is a quality side, so we are definitely going to have to bring our A-game tomorrow (early today).
“The guys obviously got their tails up. We have got a lot of confidence with the win against Pakistan, but we just know how fragile this game is and how quickly it can turn around.”
The victory against Pakistan was a major boost, the middle-order batter said.
“We would like to try and repeat those kinds of wins going forward to try and make sure that we can get an away tour to England or England can come to us, or Australia or India,” he said.
“It does open up opportunities, but we need to do it a little bit more consistently.”
Although the team still has a long way to go before making it to the semi-finals, Ervine credits coach Dave Houghton for their remarkable performances.
Added Ervine: “Earlier, guys were just a little bit mentally tired. That was just the way different coaches do things differently.
“The biggest change was actually Dave coming in and cutting all those things down.
“He made the guys turn up with a lot of energy and more excitement to play the game of cricket, rather than turning up a little bit physically and mentally tired.
“He gave that support to the players.”
The players believe that being a former captain himself, Houghton has been able to change the mentality of every single player in the squad.
“His calmness and the way he constructs things in and around practice has been amazing.
“He has allowed the guys to have that extra bit of energy. ”
Zimbabwe have grown to be a fighting side in the last few years, culminating in their ODI and T20I series wins over Bangladesh in July 2022.
The wins came around the same time they qualified for the T20 World Cup, where they are now one of the most talked-about teams, having just defeated pre-tournament favourites Pakistan by one run.
It has been quite the campaign for Zimbabwe – three wins in four completed matches – especially given how they have been missing World Cups since 2016.
It is almost like they are making up for lost time. — Wires
Online Reporter