adminZimbabwe wraps their series against India when the two sides square off in the second and final Twenty20 encounter at Harare Sports Club this afternoon.
After Friday’s disheartening 54-run loss to the Asian giants, Zimbabwe need a breakthrough, what with a stronger-looking New Zealand waiting on the wings.
Enter Chamunorwa Chibhabha and seamer Christopher Mpofu.
Chibhabha has been by far Zimbabwe’s best performer of the series, finishing the One-Day International leg of the series as the country leading run scorer with 157 runs.
His two for 25 runs, a career best, was one of the highlights of Zimbabwe’s miserable run during the One-Day Internationals.
Despite a bad start in the Twenty20 series, hope is there that he will carry his form with the bat right through the India series and New Zealand to come.
As for Christopher Mpofu, his comeback couldn’t have been at a better time as the country is still reeling from the loss of the injured pair of Tendai Chatara and Tinashe Panyangara.
While another upstart acquitted himself quite well during the ODI series, finishing top wicket takers with six scalps, gaffer Dav Whatmore will need an experienced hand, particularly with the new ball.
Speaking soon after Friday’s 54-run loss, Mpofu reassured gaffer Whatmore that he is ready to take the ball and run with it.
“It really is good to be back on the pitch again and I think I’m having the best time of my career.
“I have turned over a new leaf, and left all the bad habits of my life behind. I am now a more religious person,” said Mpofu.
Speaking on today’s game, Mpofu said: “For us going into the last match of the series, few people expect us to win.
“We have nothing to lose and as such all the pressure will be on India to finish on a high. I think that affords us the liberty to express ourselves, play our game and hopefully win the match,” he said.
Online Reporter