Zimbabwe are hoping that the positivity they have shown to clinch a shocking win over Australia can give them the momentum they need to make an impact in this year’s Twenty20. World cup.
After losing the first two One Day Internationals, Zimbabwe on Saturday registered their third win over Australia in 33 attempts in nearly four decades.
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After wins over Bangladesh in both white-ball formats, a Townsville win should send Africans into next month’s Twenty20 World Cup with confidence.
Captain Regis Chakabva credits new coach Dave Houghton, who made his debut in England in 1983 in Zimbabwe’s first win over Australia.
“His big focus was changing the way we play,” Chakabwa, whose 37 not out guided his team to Saturday’s victory, said.
“We are looking to play a lot more positive, a lot more aggressive. That’s the only way we’re going to compete against Australia and these other big teams.
“If we want to move up the rankings, we can’t play the same way we’ve been playing.”
The new game plan is a far cry from that unexpected brand of cricket that has resulted in T20 world rankings 11th and even worse ODI rankings 13th, after losing to Scotland, Ireland and Namibia by 2021-22.
After a decade of reliance on players such as Alexander Raza, Sean Williams and Craig Ervine, the growing contribution of Zimbabwe’s youth brigade to Townsville was evident.
Paceman Richard Ngarwa made short work of opener Aaron Finch in all three matches, all-rounder Ryan Burle registered lucrative bowling figures of 5-10 and opener Tadivanashe Marumani impressed.
“We’re trying to promote a sport where people can play with their skills, with fearless ability,” Houghton told reporters.
“(Sometimes) people are just going ahead then they run under the wicket and give their wicket away, so we’re getting a little stuck between being positive and carefree.”
Zimbabwe, who have never made a group stage exit in five T20 World Cups, will take on Ireland, West Indies and Scotland in the opening round of this year’s tournament in Australia.
Fast bowler Blessing Mujarbani and the return of veteran batsman Ervin will strengthen the team, so he has many reasons to feel positive.
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