DHAKA: Zimbabwe came close to causing a massive upset against one of World Cup favourites South Africa in their opening match of World Cup 2015. On Thursday, they have the chance to register their first win when they take on unfancied UAE.
UAE scored 81 runs in the last 10 overs to post a challenging 285/7 vs Zimbabwe in their first World Cup match in 19 years. The task is cut out for Zimbabwe but like they showed against South Africa, they have the batting resources to get the job done today.
It continued to be a sea-saw battle between the two sides. After losing two key wickets, Anwar and Patil were involved in a great stand - Anwar slammed his second half-century before Zimbabwe made some further inroads. However, a brave late-order flurry helped the UAE edge towards a competitive total.
UAE did well thanks to a solid 81-run stand between Chandran and Khurram but the two were removed in quick succession as Zimbabwe sought to make a comeback. However, UAE were eager to fight back as well and they have got back on track with Patil and Anwar playing some good shots to keep the scoreboard ticking
Chandran and Khurram's excellent stand for the third wicket has put UAE back on track vs Zimbabwe. The duo has taken on the spinners and looked solid against the pacers as UAE crossed the 100-run mark with plenty of assurance. How they bat for the last half of the innings will be key to a good total
UAE would be looking up to Khurram Khan, their best batsman, after Berenger fell to Mire - meanwhile Indian-origin cricketer Chandran is also in focus; he had played alongside the likes of Stuart Binny and Robin Uthappa in his early days and has now moved over to the United Arab Emirates, where he bats at No. 3 for the national team
UAE started solidly after being asked to bat. Openers Amjad Ali and Berenger looked a little edgy but survived the first few hostile overs from Zimbabwe's new ball bowlers before Ali slashed at a wide one from Chatara to be dismissed with the score on 26/1 in 5.5 overs
Toss: Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to field vs UAE, who are making their first appearance in the World Cup since 1996. Zimbabwe made a serious challenge vs South Africa the other day and UAE won't find it easy vs the Africans.
Zimbabwe aim for Ruthless approach
Zimbabwe have warned they will show no mercy against cricket minnows the United Arab Emirates in their World Cup match in Nelson on Thursday, with captain Elton Chigumbura promising a "ruthless" approach.
The Pool B match statistics are heavily lop-sided in favour of Zimbabwe, seeking a commanding win as they bid to bounce back from their opening loss to South Africa.
"You have to take every game seriously, do the basics right and make sure when you get into a good winning position you are ruthless and win the game," Chigumbura said on Wednesday.
Squads
United Arab Emirates
Amjad Ali, AR Berenger, Krishna Chandran, Khurram Khan, SP Patil†, Shaiman Anwar, Rohan Mustafa, Amjad Javed, Mohammad Naveed, Mohammad Tauqir*, Nasir Aziz
Zimbabwe
Sikandar Raza, RW Chakabva, H Masakadza, BRM Taylor†, SC Williams, CR Ervine, E Chigumbura*, SF Mire, T Panyangara, TL Chatara, T Kamungozi
Source: NDTV
BDST: 0810 HRS, FEB 19, 2015
