Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE dream has since vanquished for hosts Zimbabwe after a difficult start at the ongoing Under-19 World Cup, but today they aim to give one last fight in search of a consolation win when they face Bangladesh in their final Super Six match at the Harare Sports Club.
The Young Chevrons, who have generally found the going tough against their opponents, need to recover from the big defeat they suffered at the hands of India when they began the Super Six stage campaign during the week.
Zimbabwe had previously encountered losses in the group matches to Pakistan and England, after the tournament opener against Scotland was washed out by rain.
Batsman Brandon Ndiweni has not played a part in any of the games and may get his chance today.
The 18-year-old wicket-keeper/batter told Zimpapers Sports Hub that they picked priceless lessons from the defeats.
“We’ve obviously played very good players and there’s been lots of learnings.
“There’s a lot that I’ve seen from the other batsmen from the other countries; how they go about their game, especially the middle-order batsmen giving themselves time and accelerating at the end.
“Just how other countries go about their game and how other players do it has been a good learning. It’s something that I’ll look to add into my game,” said Ndiweni.
Zimbabwe suffered the usual batting collapses. They have struggled to bat 40 overs in the last two games against Pakistan and India, getting bowled out for 128 and 148 runs.
“I think we haven’t actually batted deep enough. I think that’s where we went wrong,” said Ndiweni.
But Bangladesh Under-19 presents a different proposition altogether. In terms of quality, they are not far from Zimbabwe.
The Bangladeshis have won once in this tournament when they beat the United States and had another match against New Zealand abandoned due to bad weather conditions in the group games.
Bangladesh also lost their Super Six game to England by seven wickets. The Young Chevrons are aiming to capitalise on the upset.
“The target is always to win the game and finish on a good note,” said Ndiweni.
The win, nonetheless will not count much as Zimbabwe anchor Group B with no points. Only the top two from this six-team grouping will progress to the semi-finals.
The positive from this match would be to finish better than the 12th place they achieved at the 2024 edition.
Of course, lack of consistency has been a huge concern in the current edition, but it is not all gloom in the Zimbabwe ranks.
The Young Chevrons bowlers demonstrated their fighting spirit when they claimed eight wickets against India on their last outing.
Batsman Leeroy Chiwaula was also resilient, reflecting the same fighting spirit that has previously been exhibited by Nathaniel Hlabangana, Brandon Senzere, Kian Blignaut, Dhruv Patel and captain Simbarashe Mudzengerere.
However, their top bowlers Shelton Mazvitorera, Panashe Mazai and Tatenda Chimugoro have also blown hot and cold and assistant coach Nobert Manyande was worried by the inconsistencies.
“I think we were performing in patches,” said Manyande.
“We had a lot of positives in that we got one guy scoring a 50 (against India).
“Obviously, there were some of the things like we didn’t have enough partnerships, and not most of our guys scored. So, that was a little bit of a concern.
“But the bowling also managed to pick up eight wickets and we slowed them down.
“The tempo they started with in that first power play, they could have scored more than 400, and I think the boys came back and showed a bit of character.
“So, that’s a big positive.
“I think the last game obviously we want to try and finish strong, that’s the main thing,” said Manyande.
