Andrew
Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Lady Chevrons coach, Adan Chifo, believes he has the quality to upset group favourites Pakistan and Bangladesh, and even qualify for the 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup to be held in New Zealand.
Zimbabwe are in Group B of the qualifiers together with Pakistan, Bangladesh, United States of America and Thailand.
Despite stating Pakistan and Bangladesh as favourites to progress, Chifo believes Zimbabwe has what it takes to disrupt the order and go through.
“It is quite a decent group, and both Pakistan and Bangladesh are the more experienced teams,” said Chifo.
“They have been to the World Cup before, and they have more international cricket in limited overs than we have.
“However, everyone is a threat, as there is a lot at stake.
“A ticket to the World Cup is quite big, and we are not underestimating anyone.
“I believe that we have put in the work, and we stand a really good chance of qualifying.
“At the end of the day, it’s about how much we want it. “I believe we have the quality to upset those two teams (Pakistan and Bangladesh), and go to the next round”.
The Lady Chevrons regrouped last Wednesday for the final round of practice matches against Bangladesh, before the qualifiers roll into life next month.
Chifo revealed that the ladies are eagerly waiting for the qualifiers, and everyone is raring to go. Missing the last tournament, after the team was disqualified due to government interference in the sport, is also sure to be on their minds too.
“It has been a long wait since 2019 when we were suspended.
“Everyone is raring to go, and they can’t wait for the qualifiers to begin,” said the Lady Chevrons gaffer.
With the Lady Chevrons captain Mary –Anne Musonda starting to get international recognition, Chifo believes the timing is a confidence booster to the skipper and squad as a whole.
“It is with no doubt that her (Mary-Anne Musonda) getting such recognition has come at the right time.
“It boosts her confidence, and that of the squad. “Mary-Anne has been outstanding, even if you look at her record in the T20 and what she did in our International ODI debut.
“These are things we can all be proud of, and I hope she wins the accolade,” said Chifo.
Mary-Anne Musonda’s praise is not without substance. She clinched a kit sponsorship deal from the world’s leading bat manufacturer Keeley Cricket, before she was nominated for the ICC October Player-of-the-Month.
This comes after her unbeaten century in Zimbabwe’s debut ODI match against Ireland last month.
The Lady Chevrons captain was nominated for the prestigious ICC monthly award together with the Ireland duo of Laura Delany and Gaby Lewis.
Online Reporter