ZIMBABWE launches yet another upset bid, this time targeting hosts India in an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eight must-win encounter to stay in the hunt for a semifinal berth in Chennai today.
The Chevrons have surpassed expectations, putting minnows Oman in their rightful place before comfortably beating Australia and Sri Lanka during their stay in Colombo. However, their Super Eight entrance got off to a losing start as they lost to West Indies by 107 runs after they were bowled out for 147 chasing 255.
India, on the other hand, lost to South Africa in their opening Super Eight encounter, making this tie a winner-takes-all as both teams want to remain within an arm’s length of the semifinals.
Zimbabwe head coach Justin Sammons stressed that the team needs to focus on trusting the process and not dwelling on past mistakes.
“The expectations are for us to go and try to play our best cricket. If we play our best cricket, then we’ve got a chance,” Sammons told NewsDay Sport.
“Just get back to basics again. We’ve arrived in Chennai, so practise today (yesterday) and make sure we’re trying to work on executing the plans that we’ll have in place.”
The Zimbabwean team has been in good form, and Sammons is confident that they can cause an upset against India.
“Just focus one ball at a time, you know, as we’ve been doing – play smart, play to our strengths, and execute our game plan,” he said.
“We’ve got to make sure we’re relaxed and enjoying the moment. It’s a great opportunity for us to play against a top team like India.”
Zimbabwe relishes the underdog tag, and pressure is on the hosts to deliver a strong performance. India will be looking to bounce back from their previous match where they lost to South Africa, while Zimbabwe will be eager to prove themselves and recover from the chastening defeat to West Indies.
The match promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams looking to gain an edge.
Meanwhile, Sammons dismissed suggestions that batting first was a mistake in the team’s previous match against West Indies, saying it’s all about execution. He stressed that the decision to bat first was “the right decision” based on the numbers.
“The numbers are you chase in Mumbai, and it was no different. The reality is…the catch gets taken, and it’s a completely different ballgame. You’re chasing 170 max, and you’re right in the game because your whole approach is more comfortable,” he said.
He attributed Zimbabwe’s maiden loss at the ongoing T20 World Cup to a lack of execution, particularly in the field.
“It’s just that we didn’t execute. It’s got nothing to do with a decision of batting first or bowling first, purely down to execution,” said Sammons.
Meanwhile, the Delta Beverages sponsored Castle Corner supporters are expected to be in attendance supporting the Chevrons. They left Robert Mugabe International Airport on Tuesday afternoon for India on an all expenses paid trip for five by Delta Beverages.
