DOWN BUT NOT OUT
Now, let’s finish the job tomorrow against Scotland and book our place at the next ICC Cricket World Cup.
Yesterday, the Chevrons suffered their first defeat at the ICC World Cup qualifier by nine wickets as Sri Lanka booked their place at the World Cup. Queens, as expected, was packed but there was no joy for the hosts.
Zimbabwe now have a must-win match against Scotland tomorrow where victory will seal a place at the World Cup.
Coach Dave Houghton defended his men who were skittled out for 161
“I talk to a lot to the players about the brand of cricket we have,” he said.
“At the end of the day the guys were trying to win. We tried out best and whatever happens we have to win on Tuesday
“We’ve played good cricket so far in the tournament and so did our opponents today but one of the team had to win, which was Sri Lanka, who haven’t lost.”
He added:
“Sean Williams (who top-scored for Zimbabwe with a half century) is having a fantastic tournament and probably the best form of his life.
“But, generally, the batting has been good from everyone.
“I don’t think we made too many errors, in the end the score wasn’t good enough.
“We go into the next game with confidence.
“Everybody is fully aware of it, we knew that one day we might take a hit, our opponents were better than us and they beat us but that doesn’t take away our confidence.”
He urged fans to come in their numbers on Tuesday.
“I think our fans have been fantastic and I’m sure they will turn up on Tuesday.”
Williams was again the top-scorer for Zimbabwe with his 56 but the Chevrons could only post 165, in 32.2 overs, after once again having to deal with the tougher conditions of batting first.
Sikandar Raza added 31 to the cause.
Sri Lanka’s twin demon, Maheesh Theekshana (4/25), and Dilshan Madushanka (3/15) were the destroyers-in-chief.
Pathum Nissanka’s unbeaten century guided Sri Lanka home with Richard Ngarava picking the only wicket for 35 runs.
-HMetro-
