Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Women’s cricket coach Walter Chawaguta believes their clash against Scotland today in the ICC Wom-en’s World Cup Qualifier match is a must-win game if his charges are to salvage their campaign at this competition in Nepal.
This comes after the Lady Chevrons have lost their opening two encounters against the Netherlands and Thailand.
Now they have shifted their focus to seek redemption when they face Scotland.
“This is a crucial game for both teams, they need points after losing to Netherlands, and we are focused on getting a win,” said Chawaguta.
“We have studied their game, and like Netherlands, they struggle with spin.”
“We will look to exploit that weakness with a predominantly spin attack but we also need to be more aggressive in our batting, especially in the power play. We have been too passive,” he said.
Chawaguta has also demanded consistency from his charges.
“Strike rotation is key, we need to keep the scoreboard moving, regardless of wickets. And we have got to finish strong at the end of the innings.”
Chawaguta believes they have learned from their first two opening games, which ended in defeat and they will look to be much braver.
“It’s been disappointing, but we have bowled well in both games, against the Netherlands and Thailand.
“We had strong positions but unfortunately failed to cross the line.”
“We had a good power play start, but lost wickets to run-outs and consolidation became a bit too cautious. Kelly got us going, but we missed key batsmen at crucial moments. While other batters tried to push us over, but it wasn’t our day.”
“We need to be braver when consolidating, rotating strike, and finding gaps. Lessons learned. We have talked to the batting group about managing risk and keeping the scoreboard ticking after wickets.”
Chawaguta said they cannot afford anything less than wins in their remaining two games.
“We have got two games left, and they are must-wins for us to stay in contention. It now depends on other results too, but we’re focused on our next two.”
“We have had some very good conversations in the last couple of days concerning our batting. And we have had some very honest conversations about what needs to be done.
“We are fully aware of the position that we are in.
And what we need to do for us to keep ourselves in contention for that Super 6 spot.
