COME ON YOU CHEVS!

Zimpapers Sports Hub

THEY have captured the imagination of the whole country, united the media behind them and now they have another chance to impress.

Unbeaten at this tournament and well aware the spotlight is hovering above them every step of the way, the Chevrons will be hoping the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 fairytale will continue today.

They take on two-time champions West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

The Chevrons arrived in India at the weekend from co-hosts Sri Lanka, to begin a tough phase in the Super Eight where they will face the Windies today before dating hosts India later this week.

They will then conclude the campaign against neighbours South Africa next Sunday.

Justin Sammons’ men landed in Mumbai with confidence high following a strong showing in the group stage where they finished unbeaten and top of Group B.

“There’s a belief in the group that we can most definitely get to the semi-final. Obviously, that means we’re going to have to be at our very best,” said Sammons.

“If we continue to execute our skills under pressure, it will give us a chance. There are going to be crowds that our players have not experienced before. “It’ll be the first time for them. Playing under lights is also different for us. So, all those factors will come into it. But I certainly do have a belief that we can cause a few upsets.”

Zimbabwe will go into the Super Eight phase as underdogs.

The match against West Indies is likely to set the tone for the Chevrons’ quest for a semi-final spot.

But they will first have to find a way to deal with the explosive batting, which has been the hallmark of West Indies’ campaign in this edition.

The Windies have thrived in this format in recent years more than in any other, winning the T20 World Cup in 2012 and 2016.

They are aiming to re-write history.

Their strength lies mainly in players like Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer and Shefarne Rutherford, whose form has carried the Windies thus far.

But Zimbabwe have turned up a formidable unit built on all-round teamwork.

They will need to keep the Windies power-hitters in check at the Wankhede Stadium, known for its batter-friendly conditions and shorter boundaries.

The Chevrons’ pace battery has been a crucial force in the group games where Blessing Muzarabani (nine wickets) and Bradley Evans (eight) have shared 17 wickets between themselves in three completed matches.

On the batting side, Brian Bennett has been the key man for Zimbabwe at the top order. Bennett, with two fifties and 175 runs under the belt, has carried his bat throughout the tournament.

His partnership with Tadiwa Marumani has always given the Chevrons a good start, whether batting first or chasing, and the pair is expected to play a similar role today.

Zimbabwe will also look up to the astute leadership of their captain Sikandar Raza, whose influence has been critical throughout the campaign.

Raza has also taken the responsibility on his shoulders, often contributing the crucial runs, along with Ryan Burl in the middle overs, to see Zimbabwe over the line.