PERTH: After humiliating Australia’s impressive one-day national team last month, Zimbabwe are back Down Under with conviction and determined to reach the Super 12 stage of the Twenty20 World Cup for the first time.
Zimbabwe, ranked 11th in the world, are contesting their first championship since 2016 and will be grouped alongside Ireland, the West Indies and Scotland in Hobart, with two places up for grabs in the next round.
They’ve never progressed past the group stage in the 20-over showpiece, but their crucial difference this time could be heavy-hitting all-rounder Ryan Burl, who stunned Australia with his leg spin as he caught 5-10 during the recent upset.
“I think overall confidence and morale is high after the last ODI win in Australia,” the 28-year-old told Reuters.
“Having played the series in Australia, where we will play the World Cup, we go into the tournament much better prepared and confident. It’s a huge tournament and every game means a lot.”
The two-time West Indies champions are favored in Group B, while Zimbabwe and Ireland are expected to battle for second place. Ireland have beaten Zimbabwe in five of their eight T20 internationals.
However, Zimbabwe have been vocal about their desire to play fearless and their prospects have been boosted by the selection of a full-strength squad.
Limited skipper Craig Ervine, returning from injury along with towering spearhead Blessing Muzarabani, provides composure.
As Zimbabwe’s top batsman, stylish left-hander Sean Williams will be relied on to fluently score and secure the innings, while franchise circuit regular Sikandar Raza takes on the role of finisher.
The African side meets Ireland at the Bellerive Oval on Monday, followed by the West Indies on Wednesday and Scotland on Friday.