tiger hunt on

Blessing Malinganiza

THE Chevrons are walking with a spring in their step.

They are still celebrating their qualification for the ICC Twenty20 World Cup in Australia later this year.

Now, they shift focus to Bangladesh in the first of three T20 Internationals at Harare Sports Club tomorrow.

The other two matches will be played on Sunday and Tuesday at the same venue.

The shorter format of the game will be followed by three One-Day internationals on August 5, 7 and 10.

The Chevrons had a good build-up to the series by winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in Bulawayo two weeks ago with some exciting all-round cricketing displays.

Not only did Zimbabwe clinch the ICC Qualifier, they emerged with a 100 percent record after winning all their five matches.

Zimbabwe beat Singapore, Jersey, the United States of America in the group stages.

They beat Papua New Guinea in the semi-final and Netherlands in the final.

It may be argued that the Chevrons beat weaker ICC Associate Members in the Qualifier, and Bangladesh presents a different challenge.

However, Chevrons’ captain Craig Ervine said they were confident ahead of tomorrow’s opener.

“Everybody is pretty confident, including myself. 

“I think the whole team has had a very good one-week rest ahead of the short camp before the Bangladesh series.

“So, everybody is full of energy.

“I think the momentum is on our side, especially coming off the qualifiers and winning five out of five.

“I know Bangladesh are much tougher opponents, but I feel the guys are in a good space at the moment and everyone is looking forward to getting back to playing some cricket,” said Ervine.

He said conditions at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo are a little bit different from Harare Sports Club.

The Queens’ pitch is a bit slower and the ball turns a little, whereas the Harare Sports Club wicket has more pace.

“So, again it’s just assessing those conditions as quickly as possible and adapting.

“I think the guys are playing a good and positive brand of cricket at the moment.

“If you were to ask the supporters in Bulawayo, I think it was exciting for them to watch. 

“What I would like to see is a continuation of what we did in Bulawayo.

“Having to play a much better side like Bangladesh, and beating them, will give us real confidence going forward when we play India and Australia.”

The Chevrons face India and Australia in the next two months before the T20 World Cup.