Having triumphed in all 4 group matches, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka enter the essential Tremendous Six stage of the qualifiers with 4 factors every, carrying over the rewards obtained from defeating the groups that additionally progressed from the preliminary spherical.
With their spectacular batting performances, together with a nationwide record-breaking rating of 408-6 in opposition to the USA, Zimbabwe can strategy the upcoming matches with confidence, anticipating the runs to maintain flowing because the stakes heighten from Thursday.
“We’ve got discovered our momentum and we’re wanting ahead to carrying it,” mentioned Sean Williams, who scored 174 in Monday’s 304-run rout of the USA.
Williams is clearly main the charts as the best run-scorer, amassing a formidable whole of 390 runs. He showcased his dominance with an unbeaten century in opposition to Nepal and adopted it up with a strong knock of 91 in opposition to the Netherlands.
Along with Williams, each Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza achieved exceptional centuries. Raza’s off-spin abilities not solely contributed to his batting prowess but additionally led to eight wickets, including power to the bowling assault, which is spearheaded by the left-arm quick bowler Richard Ngarava.
For his or her upcoming matches in opposition to Oman, Sri Lanka, and Scotland, Zimbabwe shall be shifting their base from Harare to Bulawayo. Regardless of the change in venue, the house workforce can rely on the unwavering help of their followers, which can undoubtedly work of their favor.
“It is a completely different venue, and every little thing about it’s completely different however nonetheless having that crowd behind us is at all times like having a 12th man,” mentioned Williams.
The 1996 champions Sri Lanka had a comparatively easy journey by way of the group stage of the event. Nevertheless, their upcoming match on Friday in opposition to the Netherlands poses an fascinating problem, because the Dutch workforce enters the sport with renewed confidence following their exceptional victory over the West Indies in a brilliant over.
Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been a standout performer, impressively claiming a complete of 18 wickets. His distinctive achievement of three consecutive five-wicket hauls in ODIs places him within the esteemed firm of Pakistan’s legendary bowler, Waqar Younis.
“He is a champion. Each time I throw him the ball, he delivers for me,” mentioned Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka.
Whereas the longer term appears to be like vivid for Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, the West Indies are in dire straits after successive defeats to the hosts and the Netherlands.
The as soon as mighty Windies, who clinched victory within the inaugural two World Cups held in 1975 and 1979, now discover themselves able the place they have to safe victories in opposition to Scotland, Oman, and Sri Lanka as a way to have a practical probability of qualifying.
Expressing his consciousness of the challenges forward, coach Daren Sammy, who beforehand led the West Indies to 2 T20 World Cup triumphs as captain, said, “I totally comprehend the trail I need to embark upon with this workforce.”
“Generally you have to attain all-time low to return again up. I perceive the challenges forward and I additionally perceive that issues is not going to change in a single day.
“It is a true reflection of the place our cricket is in the mean time. We’ve got quite a lot of work to do.”
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The Netherlands and Scotland will each begin on two factors. The Dutch haven’t featured on the finals since 2011 whereas the Scots missed out 4 years in the past after a controversial lbw choice.
“We’re adequate to compete in opposition to the very best groups on this planet; we’re simply getting higher,” mentioned Logan van Beek, whose heroics in Monday’s tremendous over shocked the West Indies.
“The extra we play the very best groups, the higher we get. And extra enjoyable we get, the extra gamers we get, and we should be on that stage.”
Rank outsiders Oman full the Tremendous Six line-up for an occasion which concludes with the ultimate on July 9.
(With company inputs)
