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Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
LADY Chevrons coach, Adam Chifo, has challenged the team to step up their game when they face Pakistan in an ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier match at Sunrise Sports Club this afternoon.
The side have not been convincing in the tournament, after losing the opening match to Thailand by eight runs, before sneaking home by the narrowest of margins, in the one-wicket win over lowly-ranked USA, on Thursday.
Zimbabwe’s biggest undoing has been the untidy bowling and the below par batting.
“It’s quite difficult but we have to tell ourselves that we can do better than this,” said Chifo.
“We have performed better than we have done in the last two matches.
‘‘It’s high time we step up, we need to confront our demons and be honest with ourselves so that we can apply ourselves well.’’
Zimbabwe still have a fair chance of qualifying to the Super Six stage.
But, they will need to up their game, in the last two matches, against the group’s top seeded teams – Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Pakistan are likely to come out with all their guns blazing after they lost the opening match to Bangladesh.
But, the 52-run win over Thailand, should have revitalised them.
The bowlers won them the last match against Thailand, after they had batted poorly, and were bowled out for 145.
Zimbabwe are not likely to make many changes to their team.
Skipper Mary-Anne Musonda said they needed to fight hard for their survival.
She said the struggles they encountered against the USA left them with the resolve to push harder.
“Obviously, we can’t bet on an automatic win. We have to fight for it. It’s not one-sided, the USA are also a national side, trying to win.
“So, it’s something that we are quickly learning that nothing comes easy.
‘’We have to fight through it.
‘’You can’t leave the rest for the next person who will be coming. So, for me, that is the biggest lesson I am taking to the third game,” said Musonda.
Zimbabwe needed tail-enders, Francisca Chipare and Nomvelo Sibanda, to rescue them after suffering a batting collapse, chasing USA’s 131.
The Lady Chevrons had also performed poorly with the ball, giving away 23 extras, in the process.
“I think when it comes to tournaments, such as these, there is a lot at stake and it all boils down to experience, skill and discipline.
‘‘I guess we are being found out when it comes to discipline and responsibility.
“I have no doubt that as batters we can bat. I think it’s the bigger stage that has probably taken a little bit of toll on us, on our minds and emotions.
‘‘Otherwise, we cannot afford to give up. We still need to try because the tournament is still on,” said Musonda.
Zimbabwe are third in Group B on two points.
Pakistan also have two points and are fourth because of an inferior net run rate.
Bangladesh and Thailand lead with four points apiece.
Thailand take on the USA women Old Hararians Sports Club today, while Bangladesh have a bye.
Zimbabwe still need to win their last two matches against Bangladesh and Pakistan to secure a top three place in Group B.
Musonda said they will need to summon all their experience, to get something out of the two matches, against the group’s top-seeded teams.
Fixtures
Today
USA v Thailand (Old Hararians), Sri Lanka v West Indies (Harare Sports Club), Zimbabwe v Pakistan (Sunrise)
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