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Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE national cricket team coach Lalchand Rajput has warned South Africa to brace for a good run when the sides get the One Day International series underway tomorrow in Kimberly.
The Chevrons, who have always lived in the shadows of their illustrious neighbours, have vowed to push beyond the limits in search of an upset.
South Africa have dominated meetings between the sides with 35 wins under the belt, while Zimbabwe have won only twice since their first ODI meeting in March 1992.
It has been tough for the Chevrons, especially on South African soil where they posted their one and only away win – a two-wicket victory in Durban – way back in 2000.
However, Rajput is fancying his side’s chances of doing it again. The Indian coach told the Zimbabwe Cricket website that his charges are not in South Africa on holiday, but to win games in the three-match ODI series and the Twenty20 Internationals that come soon after.
“We have had a very good preparatory camp for two months and when you prepare well normally results will be on your side.
“South Africa has to be aware that this is not the Zimbabwe team of the past. This is a team that is going to give them a good run for their money.
“We have come to show the world that we are a competitive team and every game is important. We are here to show we can play aggressive cricket and we are here to win,” said Rajput
However, a quick peek at the records suggests that Zimbabwe will again not have it easy.
Rajput arrived in Kimberley this week oozing confidence having taken his charges through an intensive two-month training camp.
With senior players Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams and Craig Ervine back in the fold to join up with the experienced captain Hamilton Masakadza as well as the fit-again duo of Solomon Mire and Kyle Jarvis, Rajput’s optimism is probably justified.
“South Africa is always a big challenge, but a challenge always gets the best out of me and the players,” said Rajput.
The 56-year old was named Zimbabwe’s substantive head coach in August after leading the side on an interim basis in home series involving Australia and Pakistan the previous month.
Unfortunately, he arrived at a time when cricket was in turmoil following a rebellion by players who excused themselves from selection to press for the payment of their outstanding salaries and allowances.
Zimbabwe failed to win a match during the Triangular Series and the subsequent five-match ODI series against Pakistan. Rajput naturally wants to see his team fighting in South Africa to redeem themselves from the disaster they suffered in the previous assignment.
“The series we played when I took over was not good for us, but it was never going to be easy to face Australia and Pakistan in the T20I triangular series and then Pakistan in the ODI series when we were missing seven to eight players.
“But now that the players are back, it looks a balanced team – a team that wants to do well.
“Apart from Graeme Cremer and Sikandar Raza, most of our senior players are back and, when experience and youth combine, we can get the best out of the team,” he said.
After Sunday’s meeting in Kimberley, South Africa and Zimbabwe will move to Bloemfontein for the second match set for October 3 before concluding the ODI series three days later in Paarl.
South Africa coach Ottis Gibson has said they are not taking Zimbabwe for granted despite his side missing some of his key men.
The Proteas were forced to drop their captain Faf du Plessis and experienced top order batsman Hashim Amla through injury while Quinton de Kock and David Miller have been rested.
The likes of Temba Bavuma, Chris Morris and Vernon Philander were also not considered for this series which however sees the retun of veteran bowler Dale Steyn and Imran Tahir. JP Duminy will lead the home side in the absence of du Plesssis.
Squads
Zimbabwe: Hamilton Masakadza (captain), Solomon Mire, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams, Peter Moor, Elton Chigumbura, Donald Tiripano, Kyle Jarvis, Brandon Mavuta, Richard Ngarava, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Wellington Masakadza, Ryan Murray, Tendai Chatara
South Africa: JP Duminy (Captain), Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, Christiaan Jonker, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungisani Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn, Khaya Zondo.
Online Reporter