Story by Anashe Murombedzi, Sports Reporter
The Zimbabwe National Cricket team, the Chevrons, remain confident of claiming the third and final One Day International match against Ireland when they return to action for the decider at Harare Sports Club this Monday.
Ireland’s comprehensive win over Zimbabwe in the second ODI enabled the tourists to level the tie one all and there is everything to fight for in Monday’s series decider.
After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Zimbabwe were in trouble from the beginning as Ireland displayed a batting masterclass to the multitudes of fans who thronged Harare Sports Club and Zimbabwe failed to cope eventually losing by 45 runs.
With Monday’s winner clinching the series, the Chevrons will need to be at their maximum best if they are to down the visitors and win the series.
“I think we are better and well from what we did yesterday and I believe we are on the right track and trying to do well again,” said Chevrons batsman, Innocent Kaia.
Despite going down 2-1 to the Chevrons in the T20 series, Ireland who are ranked higher than Zimbabwe in the ODI format have been excellent with both bat and ball even in the rain-affected first match that they lost by three wickets and there is no doubt the visitors have the momentum going into Monday’s series decider.
If Zimbabwe are to win the series, their bowlers will need to improve a lot after they were almost pounded into submission by the Irish in the first two ODI’s despite the Chevrons winning the first match after the target was revised following some rains at the Harare Sports Club.
Senior players such as Sikandar Raza would also need to come to the party and take responsibility if Zimbabwe are to win the ODI series.
