Zimbabwe confident ahead of ODIs
Zimbabwe would be confident of their chances of matching up with the West Indies through the 5-ODI series after a thumping victory in the T20 International in Trinidad.
Zimbabwe have been confined to playing most of their cricket against oppositions like Bangladesh and Kenya through 2009, as they are not a Test playing nation. Their track record has not been great with just four wins out of fourteen matches played. Their team has undergone changes in management and coaching staff as they target getting Test status and would be relishing this opportunity to get a series win against one of the Test playing nations. Zimbabwe’s batsmen have not been as consistent as they would have liked, but that has probably to do with their lack of exposure at the highest level. They have some very impressive batsmen in Hamilton Masakadza, Brendan Taylor and Charles Coventry, who have all showed the ability to perform but it’s important that they do it on a consistent basis. Another key player in the side is the talented Tatenda Taibu, who would be disappointed for having missed out in the T20I with the bat. Their spinners were excellent in that game though and it could be a similar combination for the spin-friendly wickets in Guyana.
West Indies could argue that some of their key players are out injured but that is no excuse for them to lose against minnows like Zimbabwe. They will be looking to turn the tables at Guyana on Thursday with Chris Gayle returning to the side. His return to the top of the order will bring some much needed confidence to the other players. Adrian Barath, who will open alongside could well be tested after failing to impress in the T20I. Shivnarine Chanderpaul will be eager to perform on his comeback to the ODI team after being sidelined to injury. Kieron Pollard’s recent elevation to an ODI player, as compared to his earlier T20I specialist tag saw him take off well in Australia. He could be the man to watch out for in the series, and it will be interesting to see how he does in the first match. A lot will be expected off Kemar Roach in the bowling department besides Sulieman Benn, who picked up four wickets in the first match and will be looking to build on that.
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