Gabba is known for bounce as well which gives ZIM an additional advantage.
Just about any pitch in Aus is known for bounce.
I always get nervous for Zim games, but even more so today as I am heading to the Gabba to watch. First live Zim game in 20 years. We go in as faves which is very unusual, but we have to prove to the world that our heroics the other night were no fluke.
First time since 2004 ZIM play Bangladesh as a genuine favorite I would say.
As far as flukes...ZIM have won several matches against top sides in the past few months (Bangladesh, Australia, Pakistan) and also dominated the weaker opponents. So beating Pakistan can't be termed a fluke. Upset, yes.
The only worry, and it is a sizeable one, is its been Raza doing a lot of the damage with both bat and ball. The good thing is, bowlers are all contributing. But the batting remains suspect.
But Bangladesh have been worse and for a longer period of time.
Not sure if this has been picked up by anyone else (or if it’s actually correct) but despite plying each more times than any other opposition (in the last 20 years anyways) this will be the first time these nations have met each other in a WC.
I’d be sticking with the same XI although I would consider Regis batting at No.3 as I’m not sure what he offers down at No.6 ?
I could be wrong but I believe his ‘better’ t20 performances have come at first drop, IIRC his top score was batting at 3 in the tri series in Bangladesh in 2019 ?
I don’t mind Shumba batting a little higher up the order, it feels like he’s trying to hit the ball too hard and needs to just revert to what I spoke about in the Pakistan thread, which was timing and placement.
Shumba trying to hit every ball for a boundary, needs to just stick to the basics, remain still in his stance, time & place the ball in the gaps and capitalise on the bad ball.
A few of players have mentioned that the instructions from Dave has been to “score as many runs as quickly as possible” which I think has resulted in some of our guys playing too many shots and trying to hit the ball too hard.
I think a slight tweak in their approach might actually still result in achieving Dave’s instructions of scoring quickly.
A few of players have mentioned that the instructions from Dave has been to “score as many runs as quickly as possible” which I think has resulted in some of our guys playing too many shots and trying to hit the ball too hard.
I have a feeling that this instruction has been misinterpreted by some. I know some have said that Dave has said that they should feel comfortable to play their shots, and not play with fear.
I also think Dave is smart enough to not just be like, "go swing at everything", but rather means, "keep rotating the strike and keep the scoreboard ticking over", so some here that and go, "4 every ball"
A few of players have mentioned that the instructions from Dave has been to “score as many runs as quickly as possible” which I think has resulted in some of our guys playing too many shots and trying to hit the ball too hard.
I have a feeling that this instruction has been misinterpreted by some. I know some have said that Dave has said that they should feel comfortable to play their shots, and not play with fear.
I also think Dave is smart enough to not just be like, "go swing at everything", but rather means, "keep rotating the strike and keep the scoreboard ticking over", so some here that and go, "4 every ball"
Yes I agree, probably didn’t present that in my post but I think ‘misinterpreted’ is the key word there. I don’t have an issue with Dave’s instructions, but the way the batsman have gone about it hasn’t been ideal.
Their inexperience playing in Australia has also probably played a part too. As I said, the pace of the pitches and outfields will do the work for you as long as you time and place the ball.
The size of the outfields also provides more scoring chances if you run hard. It’s also caught them out too many times as they keep getting caught short trying to hit sixes.
Raza especially has been caught trying to hook & pull in the deep at least 4 times across both tours. The commentators were even surprised how long the square boundaries are at Perth, yet Raza tried to pull Wasim for 6 with the man out on the boundary.
I'm going to be late watching this game due to work. But Hope to catch the first half live.
Put a bet on if you think so because bookies have Desh as sizeable favourites
Not a betting man. And I'd lose WAY more often than I'd win if I was. My side hustle is scalping and swing trading stocks and its been lucrative for me so far, a huge loss last month notwithstanding. My hope is to make that my full time career by the time I'm 50.
