NO RETREAT, NO SURRENDER

Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE have no option today, but to win their opening match of the Super Six against tricky and tough opponents Ireland in order to remain in control of their destiny in the ICC World Cup Qualifier.

Entrance into the match is free.

The Chevrons are seated on third place ahead of what promises to be a captivating campaign, with only the top two guaranteed of a place at next year’s World Cup in England and Wales.

Zimbabwe yesterday wrapped up their preparations for the game with an afternoon workout under the watchful eye of coach Heath Streak and his technical team with hopes high of continuing with their fine run in the competition in which they are unbeaten in 28 games spread across three decades.

The Chevrons finished top of Group B, tied with Scotland after playing out an exciting tie on Monday, but both could only carry three points to the Super Six stage.

Zimbabwe have dominated most of the head-to-head engagements between the two nations.

But Ireland are also unpredictable on their day.

Streak and his men may not have forgotten the 2007 World Cup upset when the Irish forced a draw against Zimbabwe at the finals in West Indies and then the controversial five-run defeat inflicted at the 2015 edition in Hobart, Australia.

“This is a big game for us. Ireland have got a competitive team that must not be underrated at all. We expect a tough fight from them and I’m quite sure all the games in the Super Six are not easy games.

“Supporters should come out in numbers, just like they did in Bulawayo. We need their backing and we promise to give our 100 percent efforts. I am happy with the fighting spirit that we have demonstrated in our recent games. We hope to pick up from there,” said Streak.

The home team are aiming for, at least, two victories in the Super Six.

They play the West Indies on Monday and United Arab Emirates later next week.

Streak said Zimbabwe are looking at the bigger picture and a win today should help them keep abreast with leaders Scotland and West Indies who have so far secured five and four points having played one game more than the Chevrons.

To their advantage, Zimbabwe have enjoyed the warmth of the home supporters who have helped them push beyond the limits.

With a vociferous crowd behind them, the Chevrons were able to snatch a thrilling two-run win over Afghanistan and a draw against Scotland in matches they could have easily lost during the group games.

“We are ready for action, we are ready to play in front of our home fans. We have two big games in the Super Six against Ireland and West Indies but you cannot afford to underrate UAE either.

“I think if we can get at least two wins from those matches it could give us very good chances of going to the World Cup,” said Streak.

The Chevrons will be looking forward to a good start to the innings where Solomon Mire and Cephas Zhuwao are key in providing the platform for the team to blossom.

More is also expected from former captain Brendan Taylor, who is the leading run-getter in the tournament to date with 279, while Sikandar Raza has also come in handy with both ball and bat and sitting fourth on the batsmen’s list with 194 runs along with his 10 wickets.

Zimbabwe have more to play for following an interesting round of results in matches played yesterday.

Scotland posted a big win over the UAE to seize control of the proceedings from the West Indies who suffered a surprise three-wicket defeat to Afghanistan.

But Zimbabwe should draw inspiration from their impressive records in the qualifying tournament as they have never lost a game in their last 28 appearances.

All-rounder Sean Williams said they want to keep it simple.

“We have to keep it simple and stay calm. Staying calm is probably the key thing. Obviously the when the crowd is loud it’s easy to get ahead of yourself fast but I think staying calm and sticking to our plans is crucial.

‘’I think that’s what we (have to) do in situations like that,” said Williams.

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