By Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
THE Zimbabwe national men’s cricket team, the Chevrons are in good spirits despite losing to Bangladesh in a Super 12 Group Two match on Sunday at the ongoing International Cricket Council Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia.
The ecstasy of beating former champions, Pakistan on Thursday was followed by the agony of losing Sunday’s Super 12 match against Bangladesh despite Sean Williams’ gallant innings of 64.
It was a chaotic finish at the Gabba, where Zimbabwe lost the match by 3 runs.
Despite the defeat, senior player Sean Williams, who has been in the national setup for 16 years, believes the team is improving.
“There is a different aura about it. Yeah, this team can go places. The attitude that this team brings into certain things where things we may not have been dealt the best of cards, but the attitude that they bring to facing a situation like that, they are always bringing out the positive in something, no matter how bad something is, and that for me is huge. Just speaks volumes of them as individuals and as a group of players, as well, and that sets a very big example for people coming through, and I think they’re going to go far,” said Williams.
Cricket expert, Dean du Plessis concurs with Williams and gives credit to new coach Dave Houghton.
“Back in March there about, Zimbabwe hosted Afghanistan and lost, then they lost again to Namibia and the team looked down and out and no one ever thought they would qualify for the World Cup let alone get to the Super 12, but credit to Dave Houghton he came in changed the mood and the approach now the team is playing with freedom and you can see they are very happy,” said Plessis.
Zimbabwe is set to take in the Netherlands this Wednesday in their fourth match in the Super 12.
South Africa leads group two with five points, India and Bangladesh are tied on four points, with the Chevrons are in fourth place with three points.
Pakistan have two points and the Netherlands is still to get a point.
Meanwhile, hosts Australia joined log leaders New Zealand on five points after beating Ireland by 42 runs.
This Tuesday will see Afghanistan taking on struggling Sri Lanka, while England battles New Zealand.