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Sunday Dec 15, 2024
Monday, 21 November 2016 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Zimbabwe’s captain Graeme Cremer (R) celebrates with teammate Craig Ervine during the third tri-nation One Day International (ODI) cricket match between Zimbabwe and West Indies at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on 19 November 2016.
Upul Tharanga and Sri Lanka’s middle order need to step up on Monday - Associated Press
ESPNCricinfo: In cricket, ‘momentum’ is a lot like religious faith. Some people believe in it, and some don’t, but either way it seems to be part of the general milieu. Another way of putting it could be: whether you believe you can, or you believe you can’t, you’re probably right. Sri Lanka’s momentum will have been dented slightly by their unravelling against West Indies in Harare, and Zimbabwe will believe in themselves a little more after their stunning comeback.
Neither team is without its worries: Sri Lanka’s inexperienced middle order has not quite clicked yet, while Zimbabwe slipped from 190 for 3 to 257 all-out against West Indies. Their performance in the field was also not quite up to scratch, and in that department coach Heath Streak has said: “We know we’re better than what we showed.” The result of this game will depend on which team plays to potential and seizes the momentum, and who has more belief on the day. With Zimbabwe currently at the bottom of the points table, with two points from their tie, this is a must-win game for them.
The background hum outside of the cricket in Zimbabwe is somewhat depressed, and an upturn in the cricket team’s fortunes would help to brighten what could be a somber festive season. The country is on the brink of introducing ‘Bond notes’, a form of currency meant to ease the crippling cash liquidity crisis, but not everyone is for it. While the cricket has been going on, activists have been arrested and allegedly assaulted by security forces in Harare, and some fans entering Queens Sports Club on Saturday weren’t allowed to bring Zimbabwe flags into the ground, as the flag has recently been used as a symbol of protest. Zimbabwe could do with a little cheering up.
Zimbabwe’s top order helped to set up an almost defendable total against West Indies, while the bowlers showed grit. Yet their fielding left much to be desired. Three chances to dismiss eventual centurion Shai Hope were missed, and sloppiness in the field dissipated pressure. Heath Streak will want a cleaner effort from his men in the field.
The match between Zimbabwe and West Indies on Saturday showed that, on a slow, gripping surface, the best time for batting is between overs 10 to 35. That will make the contribution of Sri Lanka’s middle order vital to their final result. Untested in their series opener against Zimbabwe, the Sri Lankan middle order then stumbled against West Indies, with nos. 1 to 6 contributing just 69 runs.
