Chronicle Editor
Brandon Moyo, Sports Reporter
THE wait is finally over as the country’s next generation of cricketers kick start their 2024 International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka at the Kimberley Oval in the Northern Cape city of Kimberley in South Africa today.
The Young Chevrons will be in high spirits ahead of today’s game having had stellar performances in their two official warm-up matches against Ireland and the United States of America (USA) last week. Zimbabwe Under-19s first warm-up match was against Ireland whom they defeated by 27 runs (D/L Method) before going on to register a 12 runs (D/L Method) victory over USA by 12 runs.
Apart from the on-field motivation which they created by winning their preparation matches, the team has also received time and support from their hero and Chevrons T20I skipper Sikandar Raza who has rallied behind them.
Raza encouraged the Prosper Utseya-coached Zimbabwe Under-19 team to give their all on the field and fly the country’s flag up high at the global showpiece.
“I just wanted to wish you the very best of luck for the Under-19 World Cup. Sending you lots of wishes and prayers and most importantly sending a message of support. Make some memories, play hard, play fair, and I wish you all do well.
There has been some very good and positive results coming from you guys , myself and the team and everybody back home is very excited to see you play, raise the flag high and Inshallah we will see you guys with a lot of victories coming your way,” said Raza.
The Chevrons stalwart was not the only senior men’s national team player that wished the next generation all the best ahead of today’s encounter. On Wednesday, fast bowler Richard Ngarava – who is a graduate from the Under-19 class of 2015/16 – also sent a message of support to the team.
“Well done on getting picked for the Under-19 World Cup. Score some runs, take some wickets, take some spectacular catches and enjoy it all the way boys. Enjoy the challenge as you are representing the country. All the best, all the very best; let’s bring it home boys,” said Ngarava.
Zimbabwe Under-19s will be banking on the experience of their skipper and all rounder Matthew Schonken and batter Panashe Taruvinga who, both took part in the previous edition in the West Indies in 2022. The team also boasts of a whole lot of talented players such as Campbell Macmillan, Ryan Simbi, Ronak Patel, Munashe Chimusoro and Ryan Kamwemba among others.
A win for them against Sri Lanka will go a long way in their quest to better their finish from 2022. Zimbabwe Under-19 team were placed in Group C of the World Cup and their other opponents are Australia, and Namibia.
After today’s game, Utseya’s starlets will go on to face Australia on January 25 and Namibia in their last group fixture on January 27 at the same venue. Five time winners of the coveted silverware and defending champions India are placed in
Group A with Bangladesh, Ireland and the United States of America as they attempt to claim a record sixth Under-19 title.
Group B consists of South Africa, England, West Indies and Scotland, while Group D is made up of Afghanistan, Pakistan, New Zealand and Nepal. The top three sides from each group progress to the Super Six phase of the event ahead of the semi-finals and final in Benoni. The World Cup started on Friday. – @brandon_malvin.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter