Zim cricket team optimistic

Senior Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe cricket team remains optimistic of success in the International Cricket Council Twenty20 World Cup despite losing to Hong Kong by four wickets in a warm-up match played on Wednesday in Bangladesh. Hong Kong secured a significant scalp with a dramatic last-ball victory against Zimbabwe who had set a modest 153 in their 20 overs  owing much to a blistering 45 not out from 28 balls by  Elton Chigumbura.

Sikandar Raza contributed with a good 32 off 26 balls while Vusi Sibanda chipped in with a fair 31 off 22.  It was quite a disappointing batting show by the Zimbabwean batsmen with nobody sticking around. Experienced Hamilton Masakadza was the first to depart for a disappointing one in the first over.

Chasing 154 for victory, Hong Kong appeared in deep trouble when they slumped to 89 for six midway through the 14th over, with off-spinner Prosper Utseya taking half of the wickets to fall.

But 19-year-old left hander Mark Chapman had other ideas. Supported by Tanwir Afzal’s unbeaten 37, Chapman hauled Hong Kong towards their victory target and, requiring one from Tendai Chatara’s final delivery, he blasted six to bring up a triumphant half-century.

Zimbabwe manager Caesar Nayoto is hopeful that they will bounce back today when they take on Afghanistan in their final warm-up.
“Obviously it is always disappointing to lose a match by whatever margin but the guys have not lost hope and remain focused on making it past the first stage. Obviously we have to improve on our batting and be solid in our bowling.

“We don’t want to make costly mistakes at this stage and the game against Afghanistan will afford us an opportunity to work on our shortcomings before we play our first World Cup match on Monday,” Nayoto said.

Afghanistan beat Netherlands by 35 runs on Wednesday and Zimbabwe should be prepared for a tight match.
Zimbabwe, in Group B, open their World Cup account with a date against Ireland on Monday before taking on Netherlands on Wednesday and finish their qualifying round on Friday against the United Arab Emirates.

The winner of the Group B will proceed to the next round where they will face cricket powerhouses South Africa on March 27, New Zealand two days later and England on March 31 in Group 1. Only two teams will qualify for the semi-finals and Zimbabwe will have to spring a shocker to make it to the last four.

Zimbabwe’s batting hopes are pinned on captain Brendan Taylor, Masakadza, Raza, Sean Williams, Vusi Sibanda and Chigumbura.
Spinner Prosper Utseya who got three wickets against Hong Kong leads Zimbabwe’s bowling attack that has Tendai Chatara, Tinashe Panyangarara, seamer Brian Vitori, Williams and Chigumbura.