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Eddie Chikamhi-Senior Sports Reporter
AFTER surviving a scare on their last outing in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier B, Zimbabwe will be keen to maintain a perfect run when they face the United States in a Group A top-of-the-table clash at Queens Sports Club this afternoon.
The Chevrons, however, were dealt a blow as key paceman Tendai Chatara was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament after suffering a collarbone fracture on Tuesday.
ZC said in a statement yesterday that the bowler, who had picked four wickets for Zimbabwe in the opening two matches against Singapore and Jersey, will need at least two months to recover.
“Zimbabwe pace spearhead Tendai Chatara will play no further part in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier B 2022 in Bulawayo after he suffered a collarbone fracture on Tuesday,” said the ZC statement.
“The experienced bowler sustained the injury when he landed on his right shoulder while fielding during the group match against Jersey. “An orthopaedic specialist has recommended surgical intervention to deal with the right clavicle fracture. Chatara is expected to be sidelined from action for at least two months.
“Tony Munyonga has been called up as his replacement in Zimbabwe’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier B 2022.”
Despite the setback, Zimbabwe need to build on the momentum from the opening two games as they have set themselves the target of finishing the Qualifier without a dent.
Both Zimbabwe and USA have since sealed their semi-final spots unbeaten.
The Chevrons overcame Jersey by 23 runs, with Sean Williams top scoring with 57 off 39 deliveries, to take the Chevrons to a total of 146 for eight, which proved too much for a determined Jersey side.
The US, on the other hand, were in no nonsense mood after thrashing Singapore by 132 runs. Zimbabwe all-rounder Williams said the home team looks to end the group games on a high.
Having racked up 235 against Singapore on Monday, Zimbabwe found runs harder to come by against a disciplined Jersey attack and they will go out with the lessons in mind today.
“Obviously you always expect that something like that big total will come again in the second game. It’s important for us not to be complacent because T20 cricket can go either way,” said Williams.
The all-rounder has confidence in the team work demonstrated in the field, with the bowlers making sure the hosts defended an unsecure total.
“I felt that every small little contribution for each and every member in the team is important for us. If we continue to focus on those small things and contributing towards the team’s common goal, I think we will do very well. “Getting back to winning ways for us as a team is bigger than my personal stats,” said Williams. Their opponents USA have been enjoying a fine run of late. USA head coach Arunkumar Jagadeesh believes his side has “lived to the potential” and will be looking to continue with their momentum against Zimbabwe. Jagadeesh and his team are only a win away from their maiden Cricket World Cup appearance following impressive wins over Jersey and Singapore in their opening two games of the Qualifier. The 47-year-old said they are looking forward to the next two games leading to the final. “These are big games coming up now. We know Zimbabwe have done well; they have won their two games but it’s important for us to maintain the winning momentum.
“We are definitely not taking it easy and we are not going to get too nervous. We have already sealed our place in the semi-finals and yes we need to express ourselves. At this level, especially, we need to make sure that we are confident enough to play bigger teams in the future.
“Absolutely we are looking forward to topping the group and then maybe we might be playing number two in the other group. I don’t want to think too far but yes winning it and maintaining the winning momentum, and everything falls in place,” said Jagadeesh.
The US’s opening Steven Taylor batsman has been in great form after scoring an unbeaten 101 against Jersey and then 58 runs in their second group match win over Singapore on Tuesday. Saurabh Netravalkar claimed a stunning five-wicket haul in that match and Jagadeesh is excited by his team’s form ahead of the clash with the host nation.
“We have worked a lot in all departments. In batting, we just need to stick to our plans, and not panic. At this level it’s about how you handle the pressure, whether you are looking at it as a challenge or you are looking at it as nervousness, so there is a little bit of difference but the boys are handling it really well.
“I am really happy that even our bowling is coming up really well. Of course they have been very good in the field.
These are some of the little things that we have been improving as a team and everything is coming into place,” said Jagadeesh.
Online Reporter