Canberra, Feb 23: Riding high after demolishing Pakistan in their last encounter, an unpredictable West Indies eye another big win against perceived minnows Zimbabwe in their third pool B match of the cricket World Cup, here tomorrow.
After a rather stunning loss to Ireland in their lung-opener, West Indies bounced back strongly to get the better of Pakistan and are currently placed second behind India in the points table.
Zimbabwe have also endured a similar rollercoaster, losing to South Africa, although they did have their moments in the match, before getting the better of UAE to be placed fourth on the table.
“On the day we have to turn up. It doesn’t matter which team we play against, we’re going to have to play our A game. It’s all good cricket from now on. It’s the momentum, and once we keep doing what we can do, I think we’re going to go all the way,” said all-rounder Andre Russell ahead of the clash.
For the West Indies, the biggest worry is the rather ordinary run of the usually swashbuckling Chris Gayle but he is expected to hit form against the lower-ranked attack.
But Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura is confident that his side has the wherewithal to upstage the Caribbeans.
“We need to take this momentum into the game against the West Indies. Hopefully we can polish up our fielding and have a good game in all departments,” said Chigumbura.
In team news, West Indies would be missing the services of top-order batsman Darren Bravo owing to a hamstring injury sustained during the match against Pakistan.
Teams:
West Indies (from): Jason Holder (capt), Marlon Samuels, Sulieman Benn, Darren Bravo, Jonathan Carter, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Gayle, Denesh Ramdin, Kemar Roach, Andre Russel, Darren Sammy, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith, Jerome Taylor, Nikita Miller
Zimbabwe (from): Elton Chigumbura (capt), Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chatara, Chamu Chibhabha, Craig Ervine, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Hamilton Masakadza, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Solomon Mire, Tawanda Mupariwa, Tinashe Panyangara, Brendan Taylor, Prosper Utseya, Sean Williams. (PTI)
Follow our WhatsApp channel