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MOUNTAINEERS coach, Shepherd Makunura, has expressed great confidence in the Chevrons (Zimbabwe national cricket team).This follows the Chevrons’ 22-run victory on Tuesday in their first warm-up match against New Zealand domestic side, Northern Districts XI in Gisborne ahead of the upcoming 2015 Cricket World Cup that kicks-off next Saturday in Australia and New Zealand.
Makunura, a versatile coach who coached the triumphant Zim A squad that clinched flawless victories in the four-match One-day series against Canada last month at Harare Sports Club, said the Chevrons squad had a good balance of veteran, junior and all-rounder players that were all capable of upping their game at such platforms.
He said the warm-up friendly matches were good to get the players acquainted with the playing field and weather in New Zealand and Australia.
“Australia conditions are better for our seamers. The tracks are faster and more bouncy so they will suit more our pace-bowlers Tendai Chatara and Tinashe Panyangara.
“So far I think we are more settled on the bowling side which is very important. If we perform well in our bowling, we should be able to bring it to any core team we will face,” said Makunura
Asked on whether the past failures and pressure would affect players at the World Cup, Makunura said at that juncture players always had a lot of pressure, but the experience of international coach Dav Whatmore should console the players.
“Whatmore’s presence as coach is beyond doubt a morale booster at that point. “The players know he has experience with top teams like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh so psychologically the players will be morally boosted knowing they are in capable hands.
“Yes, they might have a bit of pressure to desperately deliver following a lot of criticism recently after the Bangladesh tour and loss to Afghanistan, but that should not affect their performance and game,” said the Mountaineers coach.
Makunura, however, said the Chevrons would definitely have to win and garner points against associate countries like Ireland and the United Arab Emirates and whip a surprise at least against one core team for them to proceed from the group stages.
Zimbabwe will today (Friday) play one more 50-over match against Northern Districts XI.
After the Gisborne matches, the Chevrons will play two more warm-up matches, organised by the International Cricket Council against New Zealand and Sri Lanka next Monday and Wednesday respectively.
14 teams are taking part in 2015 World Cup and Zimbabwe is in Group B with defending champions India, South Africa, the West Indies, Pakistan, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates.
The top four teams from the group qualify for the Super Eight stages.
Zimbabwe Squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
Elton Chigumbura (capt), Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chatara, Chamu Chibhabha, Craig Ervine, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Hamilton Masakadza, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Solomon Mire, Tawanda Mupariwa, Tinashe Panyangara, Brendan Taylor (wk), Prosper Utseya, Sean Williams.
Online Reporter