Selectors challenge Zim batsmen to raise their game

Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE cricket selectors believe that the batsmen need to guard against complacency ahead of the third ODI against Afghanistan at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo today.

Having taken a 1-0 series lead, thanks to a comprehensive eight-wicket victory on Friday, Zimbabwe allowed the Asians to creep back into the game with the hosts suffering a 58-run defeat.

Zimbabwe Cricket convenor of selectors, Kenyon Ziehl, believes they have a lot of work to do and expects the inclusion of all-rounder Sean Williams.

“The batsmen need to push hard, they did not do well in the second ODI (on Sunday) probably it’s because we had won the first game quite easily and complacency might have crept into the side.

“Sean Williams will be back for the third ODI (todya), coming from injury, he is now fit and will replace John Nyumbu but (Graeme) Creamer is still recovering from injury. We are very disappointed by yesterday’s (Sunday’s) result because our batsmen never came into the picture, not taking anything away from Afghanistan who batted well because 271 was a competitive total,” said Ziehl.

He, however, feels that the young players are under a lot of pressure.

“Luke (Jongwe) is showing a lot of potential, he did well in the last game but was faced with a difficult task of chasing 10 an over with (captain) Elton (Chigumbura),” said Ziehl.

Meanwhile, the duo of Regis Chakabva and Malcolm Waller once again rescued Zimbabwe, scoring centuries, in the four-day game against Ireland. At stumps, the hosts had taken a 359-run lead with four wickets remaining as they were 320-6 in response to Irelands 353.