It was not about the opponent: Chevrons coach

CHEVRONS head coach Justin Sammons is not downplaying Zimbabwe’s successful campaign at the recently ended ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Africa Qualifier B tournament that was held in Nairobi, Kenya last week.

Zimbabwe was up against cricketing minnows in their quest to book a spot in the final regional qualifier for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup that will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

The Chevrons made their presence felt at the tournament, convincingly winning all the five games they played including history-making victory over Gambia last Wednesday.

For Sammons, it was not about the opponent in front of them as he said they were more focused on themselves more than anything.

He was speaking to the Cricket360 Podcast after the completion of the series.

“We played really well, we are happy with the way things have gone. For us it was not going to be whom we are playing against but more focus on ourselves and at the end of the day, whether we are playing India or Gambia, its bat versus ball and ball versus bat. The focus remained on our process and sticking to what we want to do,” said Sammons.

The Chevrons dominated all the games they played, scoring 200 plus runs when batting first (except against Kenya).

Against Gambia, cricket records were shattered.

Zimbabwe shattered the record for the highest total in not just T20 cricket when they scored 344/4 in 20 overs.
Sikandar Raza spearheaded the effort with a century off just 33 balls. He eventually finished unbeaten on 133, with 15 sixes.

His team-mates hit 12 more (sixes) to set that record as well. Until the massacre mid last week.

Nepal had been the holders of the highest total (314) and the most sixes hit in an innings (26).

Gambia in return were bundled out for 54 as Zimbabwe also posted the biggest-ever win (in terms of runs) in T20s.

It was one of the many records that the Chevrons broke in the tournament.

Sammons said going into the tournament, they had a clear plan which was to dominate all the games.

“We came here to dominate (youngsters batting ruthlessly), every game and that is what we did. The guys were professional and I am happy with the way they have gone about their business,” he said.

Zimbabwe players will not have much time to rest with the domestic season already underway having started last Friday.

At the end of November, the Chevrons will host Pakistan for a white ball series consisting of three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and as many T20Is at Queens Sports Club.

Soon after the Pakistan series, there will be a full tour by Afghanistan. The tour will consist of two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is.

Sammons said the sub-regional qualifier served as preparation for the two big tours.

“Yes, they do (help in preparation for the upcoming games). It helps drive the mindset that we have been trying to get through to the players. It builds confidence and belief at the end of the day,” he said.

Zimbabwe and Kenya have advanced to the regional final, where they will be joined by Namibia and Uganda, who were given a bye after having participated in the previous T20 World Cup and four other teams from sub-regional qualifiers A and C. – @brandon_malvin