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WILL there be another Chevrons party today, this time, in Bulawayo?
The odds suggest that will be the case when the high-flying side, with a perfect clean sweep in their matches so far, take on Oman in the latest chapter of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier.
After the bedlam of Harare Sports Club, the show moves to Queens Sports Club in the City of Kings with a nation once again rooting behind their men to make it FIVE out of FIVE.
A victory today will see them having one foot at the World Cup in India later this year with Sri Lanka (Sunday) and Scotland (Tuesday) to follow.
The Chevrons are barely recognisable as the side which was becoming a punching bag of others until Dave Houghton arrived on the scene and transformed their fortunes in dramatic fashion.
Former captain, Andy Flower, who is part of the commentary team, believes Houghton has been the X-Factor.
“I got to say that Dave Houghton, the head coach, has made a difference,” he told fellow commentator, Ian Bishop, when asked why he thinks the Chevrons are enjoying such a stunning resurgence.
“He’s come in and they all of a sudden look organised but, more so, I think what he has done, in conversation with some of the players, to get a bit of their insight, he has empowered them to make decisions for themselves.
“Sometimes, to choose how they train, he has also shortened some of their training sessions, I think with the intention of making their training sessions more focused.
“But, also saying to the players that you are ready and that gives them confidence.”
The Chevrons know Oman have nothing to lose and, in ODI cricket, they could just come swinging and build a challenging total.
But, the beauty of his game is that such an approach also creates opportunities and, if it all comes to class, the Chevrons should win this one.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter