Chronicle Editor
Mehluli Sibanda, Sports Editor
EXACTLY a week ago, Zimbabwe were in dreamland with an opportunity to make history by qualifying for the semi-finals of the International Cricket Council Men’s T20 World Cup for the first time ever.
Having already advanced past the first round, something they had never done before, Zimbabwe had just recorded a shock one run victory over Pakistan and it appeared as if they were headed for the tournament’s last four looking at some of their remaining opponents.
The Chevrons had a date with Bangladesh and Netherlands, teams they were expected to sweep past with ease before they face powerhouses India in their last match today.
By the time they squared off against the number one ranked India, Zimbabwe could have secured their spot in the tournament’s last four.
It was never to be as they fell by three runs against Bangladesh before they suffered a deflating five wicket defeat at the hands of Netherlands, losses which saw any hopes of Zimbabwe qualifying for the semi-finals evaporate.
What is now left is for Zimbabwe to play their last match of the tournament before they head home. Ahead of that encounter with India, skipper Craig Ervine has challenged his players to rise to the occasion and spoil things for India by knocking them out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup when they meet today.
India are aiming for a top two finish in Group 2 which guarantees them a place in the semi-finals and remain with a chance of winning the tournament a second time after doing so in the first edition in 2007 held in South Africa.
Zimbabwe have already given warning shots by upsetting Pakistan at the T20 World Cup and Ervine wants his players to do similar when they take on India in front of a huge crowd that is expected to turn up at the MCG, that is estimated at 90 000.
“With the win against Pakistan, it’s given us a huge amount of belief that we can beat any side in the tournament. I don’t think that will change going into tomorrow’s game,’’ said Ervine yesterday.
Zimbabwe’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Blessing Muzarabani has to be at its best to combat the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav.
Muzarabani is so far sit tied for second for most wickets with 11 scalps with Bas de Leede of Netherlands while Sri Lankan leg spinner Wanindu Hasaranga is the leading wicket taker with 15.
Fellow seamer Richard Ngarava has eight wickets of his own, while star all-rounder Sikandar Raza has chipped in with nine scalps to go with his team-high 185 runs, and Ervine sees great opportunity for his team against India.
“This is a great opportunity to bowl against some of the best guys in the world, so there’s no reason why guys would not want to actually get out there and produce the goods,” he said.
Ervine is excited by the prospect of facing the best team in this format of the game.
“How often do you get the opportunity to put Virat Kohli in your pocket? I’m pretty sure that our fast bowlers will be raring to go come tomorrow (today).”
Zimbabwe will certainly look to end the tournament on a high note by causing an upset against the Indians. — Follow on Twitter @Mdawini_29
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter