2023 World Cup Qualifier discussion

[Googly]

We are used to disappointment
I'm not too optimistic. Our batting looks terrible.

I'd have thought Kirby would have squeezed another 5kph out of Evans by now.

[zimbos_05]

Haven't we just had probably the best 12 months in memory?

I think the Houghton mania has overshadowed some major problems. We lost games to Netherlands, Ireland, Afghanistan, Namibia. Yes, Houghton brought some change and it was enjoyable early on, but we'd be kidding ourselves if we think we haven't stagnated a bit of late.

We dropped off quite poorly in the T20 world cup and brought that to some of our recent games.

[secretzimbo]

Haven't we just had probably the best 12 months in memory?

I think the Houghton mania has overshadowed some major problems. We lost games to Netherlands, Ireland, Afghanistan, Namibia. Yes, Houghton brought some change and it was enjoyable early on, but we'd be kidding ourselves if we think we haven't stagnated a bit of late.

We dropped off quite poorly in the T20 world cup and brought that to some of our recent games.

Well we have a series win against Bangladesh, a series win against Ireland, a series win against Netherlands, and potentially a series win against Pakistan Shaheens.

Couldn't have done much more really. Sl/WI are a step up and that could be the problem, yes, but I don't think our 50-over form since Houghton arrived (a full 12 months now) can be doubted. We were half decent against India as well in this format. Not to mention the win away in Australia.

[Googly]

Interesting differing opinions of the situation.
Glass half full and the other half empty.

[secretzimbo]

Either way I think only a fool would bet money on any team qualifying from this qualifier. Could honestly go either way between SL/WI/Zim/Ire and the associates will undoubtedly pop up and spring some upsets to spoil things.

Bit of a toss up really.

Ballance could have been the difference that tipped it in our favour. Without him we definitely aren't favourites and it will be a tough few weeks for sure.

[sloandog]

And if we don't get through, I think there'll be a few ending of eras and some heavy hearts on the forum. I don't see Craig Ervine sticking around for much longer and Williams appears to be playing in bubble wrap these days. We're a but fucked actually if you think about it because, realistically, who is there in the domestic set up who could be brought in?

Forget about Eddie Byrom. He's tearing it up at Glamorgan opening the batting and I wouldn't be surprised if an England Lions call up is round the corner, especially with Zack Crawley showing little at the top for some long.

Byrom and Ben Compton are two blokes who the selectors might be keeping a close eye on going forward.

The low hanging fruit is Ben Curran and potentially Nick Welch if things don't go well at his County gig.

There's Campbell Jnr I guess as a limited overs option but realistically, we're a but cooked here. Bennett isn't ready and it isn't fair to throw him in and Welch Jnr hasn't been seen or heard of.

Any young quick bowlers coming through? Falao doesn't look like he's got a very high ceiling sadly

[sam_ahm]

Tougher group but it doesn't matter because you've got to play 8 of the 10 teams anyways. So doesn't really matter at all.

Only thing is I'd have liked to face say UAE or Oman instead of Nepal, because we could have avoided Nepal altogether. Anyways we've got Nepal right first up and win right away will set the tone, the good thing is if Zim beat Nepal, there is more hope on Nepal pulling off a big upset against others than say Oman or UAE.

[tej_27]

Tougher group but it doesn't matter because you've got to play 8 of the 10 teams anyways. So doesn't really matter at all.

Only thing is I'd have liked to face say UAE or Oman instead of Nepal, because we could have avoided Nepal altogether. Anyways we've got Nepal right first up and win right away will set the tone, the good thing is if Zim beat Nepal, there is more hope on Nepal pulling off a big upset against others than say Oman or UAE.

We started against Nepal in 2018 also and Sikandar Raza absolutely obliterated them.

[sam_ahm]

Tougher group but it doesn't matter because you've got to play 8 of the 10 teams anyways. So doesn't really matter at all.

Only thing is I'd have liked to face say UAE or Oman instead of Nepal, because we could have avoided Nepal altogether. Anyways we've got Nepal right first up and win right away will set the tone, the good thing is if Zim beat Nepal, there is more hope on Nepal pulling off a big upset against others than say Oman or UAE.

We started against Nepal in 2018 also and Sikandar Raza absolutely obliterated them.

Yup! But they are a much stronger team now mate. The likes of Lamichanne, Dipendra Airee, and their many all rounders can be a handful on these wickets.

[tej_27]

Tougher group but it doesn't matter because you've got to play 8 of the 10 teams anyways. So doesn't really matter at all.

Only thing is I'd have liked to face say UAE or Oman instead of Nepal, because we could have avoided Nepal altogether. Anyways we've got Nepal right first up and win right away will set the tone, the good thing is if Zim beat Nepal, there is more hope on Nepal pulling off a big upset against others than say Oman or UAE.

We started against Nepal in 2018 also and Sikandar Raza absolutely obliterated them.

Yup! But they are a much stronger team now mate. The likes of Lamichanne, Dipendra Airee, and their many all rounders can be a handful on these wickets.

Yes they are but in Harare we should have upper hand even more so if we win the toss.