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Jeffrey Murimbechi Sports Reporter
PROMOTIONS will be up for grabs for both Pakistan and Zimbabwe in the Reliance ICC Player Rankings for T20s depending on the outcome of the two match T20 series to be staged at Harare Sports Club tomorrow and Saturday.According to the latest ICC statements Zimbabwe have an opportunity too to move up, and will jump one place to 11th if they win both matches in the series. Zimbabwe are currently ranked 12th with 48 ratings points, and can gain up to 16 ratings points to move into 11th.
Zimbabwean opener and one of the country’s most technically sound players Vusi Sibanda is relishing the challenge of facing one of the world’s most potent bowling attacks after learning crucial lessons from World Champions India who came and left a trail of destruction following their 5-0 series whitewash over the men in red.
“It is obviously going to be tough they (Pakistan) have one of the best attacks in the world and I just have to make sure that I am ready for it.
“ I am excited about the challenge, these are things I strive for, I believe that I play better with more pace and they will bring something that we are not used to here but that the beauty of achallenge.
“The Indians are World champions and we learnt from our series that we need to be a bit more patient and have a more structured game and we will do well as a unit,’’ said Vusi Sibanda.
For Zimbabwe, spinner Prosper Utseya is the only bowler inside the top 10, in ninth position.
The bowlers’ list is still headed by West Indies’ Sunil Narine, with Sri Lanka’s Ajantha Mendis in third.
In the batting table, Hamilton Masakadza is the highest ranked batsman from Zimbabwe, currently placed at 14th.
Pakistan are rated second in the rankings and aim to reduce the gap between them and top ranked Sri Lanka.
Three Pakistan bowlers inside the top 20 Saeed Ajmal in second and Shahid Afridi in 11th , which will be a bonus for the tourists but they may slump due to inconsistent batting.
The visitors according to the rankings are tournament favourites but coach Dave Whatmore believes his charges should guard against complacency.
“Anybody looking at the rankings will agree that there is a difference between Pakistan and Zimbabwe and I think everyone will say Pakistan are a favourites, and I will agree with that.
The latest Reliance ICC Rank Team Rating:
1 Sri Lanka 128
2 Pakistan 124
3 India 121
4 West Indies 120
5 South Africa 118
6 England 113
7 Australia 103
8 New Zealand 102
9 Ireland 81
10 Bangladesh 74
11 Scotland 62
12 Zimbabwe 48
13 Netherlands 36
14 Kenya 34
Online Reporter