When Zimbabwe beat Sri Lanka on Thursday, the praises were plenty to high heaven.
There was the usual call for the best in the business to challenge the Chevrons to a game, the usual fan banter.
And then the loss to Pakistan came on Sunday. The uproar followed, with some quarters claiming only a handful of players should be retained in that team.
Tuesday comes with an important encounter against Sri Lanka, which would see Zimbabwe punch their ticket into the final, to join Pakistan in the Tri-Series final.
The Chevrons already proved they have the measure of the islanders, securing a 67-run victory on Thursday. That performance showcased Zimbabwe’s capabilities at their best – now they must rediscover that form and forget the misstep in Rawalpindi.
Batting discipline required further down
The collapse from 59-4 to 60-7 was a nightmare sequence that cannot be repeated. Three wickets in three balls exposed a catastrophic lack of application against spin, with Usman Tariq’s variations proving devastating. Zimbabwe’s middle order must show greater patience and game awareness, particularly when wickets are falling.
The forms of Tony Munyonga and Brendan Taylor have worried a few but it is this very same team which has pushed the best to the limit and picked up wins. Sure, there is Clive Madande and Dion Myers waiting on the wings, but the coach and captain may have to call on the courage of their conviction to stick with them. If you have been playing Munyinga and Taylor thus far, why would you drop them on what is a semi-final.
For much of the rest, it is about building partnerships. Not much can be said abut Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani. They misfired there and it happens. It will happen. It is up to the middle order to step in (besides Sikandar Raza and Brian Bennett) to step in when stuff goes belly-up.
Building partnerships will be crucial. Against Sri Lanka on Thursday, Zimbabwe’s batsmen constructed meaningful stands, that blueprint must be followed again.
Tightening the Bowling
Bradley Evans’ expensive four-over spell (1/59) was uncharacteristic but one would not call it concerning. Conceding six sixes suggests Zimbabwe’s plans went awry against Pakistan’s aggressive lower order. The bowling unit, absent Blessing Muzarabani, must learn from this mauling and return to the disciplined lengths that restricted Sri Lanka to a modest total earlier in the tournament.
Richard Ngarava was good with second spell but needs stronger support from his fellow seamers. Tinotenda Maposa was tidy but wicketless – Zimbabwe need early breakthroughs to put Sri Lanka under pressure from the outset.
Raza’s performance was respectable, claiming 2-39, but even he was targeted late in Pakistan’s innings.
The Mental Game
Perhaps most importantly, Zimbabwe must treat Sunday as what it was: a bad day at the office. Every team experiences comprehensive defeats, but champions respond with character and determination. The Chevrons have already beaten Sri Lanka convincingly in this tournament, proving they possess the quality to reach the final.
The psychological advantage lies firmly with Zimbabwe. Sri Lanka will be desperate after their own struggles, having lost both of their encounters in the tournament.
Remember the good things that got you here. And do them again.
Tuesday’s match is as we said above, effectively a semi-final. Zimbabwe have earned their opportunity – now they must seize it with both hands and put Sunday’s horror show behind them.
Experiences like these will do them good for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
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