Zimbabwe need win to stay alive

AFTER a couple of defeats, Zimbabwe go into the third One-Day International against hosts Bangladesh with the full knowledge that nothing short of a victory will suffice in their quest not only to stay in the five-match series. The visitors also want to give their most loyal fans something to smile about after a string of indifferent results.

The record-breaking win over Australia offered a lot of promise that perhaps the team had turned the corner, and was now equipped to throw knock-out punches against the heavyweights of the game.

The mood from all parties concerned, prior to boarding the plane to Bangladesh had been bullish, understandably so given the team’s performance during the home ODI tri-series that also involved South Africa.

Instead, a cloud of doubt now lingers around the team, and the lack of confidence in executing the basics during the last two ODIs has been vivid, even to the most casual supporter.

Perhaps a change of venue could mean a change in results, as the two teams move to the historic Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, a fortress that the Tigers will guard jealously.

In Dhaka, Zimbabwe will be confronted by the usual slow and turning pitch that their batters are yet to find a solution to.

The conditions will demand batsmen to knuckle down to their tasks.

On two occasions, the top order has been unable to build a solid platform for the middle order to capitalise on, and how well the top six perform will be a key ingredient for a long-awaited Zimbabwe win.

Doubtless, the selectors will be scratching their heads. Vusimuzi Sibanda’s lack of form with the bat has been obvious.

Although he put together a polished performance with the ball in the second ODI, he has been off-colour with the bat and so bowling and fielding ought not to blind his shortcomings with his primary skill set.Timycen Maruma, who scored a half-century in the limited overs warm-up game, and Peter John Moor, who is part of the touring party purely on batting form, remain good options to bolster the batting resources.

Hamilton Masakadza should bat at three. Sikandar Raza Butt, as the enforcer, and Timycen Maruma would be fine as openers. It is a small thing but Masakadza needs to be more accountable otherwise he will be accused of a softness that betrays his ability.

Regis Chakabva has been dependable of late and will be an integral part of that top six. For his inexperience, Solomon Mire showed personality in his last innings, which revealed that he can do some things that others cannot.

There was no obvious reason for this except desire, that rare alloy called guts that is a minimum requirement for international sport. The bowling department has been steady, ably led by Tinashe Panyangara.

The seamer has shown immense character and has been an inspiration to the rest of the team. The only blemish is the lack of early wickets to expose Bangladesh’s idle order.

Put simply, Zimbabwe has to see a glass that is half full and leave nothing in the tank for the remaining three games, starting with the all-important third match.

They have to play the game as if it is just that – a game.

There are enough good cricketers in that team to spring a victory. – zimcricket.org

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