adminTinashe Kusema
ZIMBABWE have only beaten New Zealand once in 13 One-day Internationals and two Twenty20 encounters at home.
That solitary triumph was a three-wicket win by the Chevrons in 1997.
However, Chevrons coach Dave Whatmore believes his team can get another victory over the 2015 ICC World Cup finalists.
“There is a challenge; there is no doubt about that. Whilst we have been competitive in most of our games, what has been lacking is that last few ounces of effort to help us cross over the line.
“We need to find a way to translate those few efforts into victories and that is what we will be aiming for during the series.
The main objective will be to win a game or two, be competitive and put pressure on the opposition.
“We need to knock on the door of the oppositions and keep knocking until we get the wins,” he said.
Whatmore asked for patience from fans as the team continues with its seemingly never-ending quest for a winning formula.
“We haven’t had that many games with the same starting 11.
“We have either lost players to injuries or some have left. That said, we will continue evolving and soon build a competitive side,” he said.
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson said he anticipated “a very tough series”.
“We have seen, in the past, how Zimbabwe has been playing their One-Day cricket and in particular in their home conditions.
“Their efforts were commendable against India. I think they play their best cricket under home conditions.
“We have quite a new look side and the fact that Zimbabwe has been changing their sides every single game should translate into a very tricky encounter,” said Williamson.
Online Reporter