Hong Kong vs Zimbabwe – ICC World T20, 2016
Hong Kong vs Zimbabwe – ICC World T20, 2016
In 2007, Zimbabwe made a stunning start to their World T20 campaign by defeating mighty Australia. Their slide since then has been spectacular. Without the likes of Brendan Taylor, who last year bid goodbye to international cricket, Zimbabwe resemble a pretty weak outfit. They, however, have in their ranks the likes of Hamilton Masakadza, Sean Williams and Malcolm Waller among others to pose a significant threat.
Zimbabwe’s exposure in international cricket should hold them in good stead and see them come out on top in Group B. They also have an experienced and hugely successful coach in Dav Whatmore, but they will have to ensure they do not give in to complacency come the qualifiers.
With not much experience, Hong Kong could well turn out to be the whipping boys in Group B of the qualifying stage. The inclusion of Ryan Campbell in the side should be a shot in the arm for the side bereft of exposure at the biggest stage, and Hong Kong will hope that Campbell, alongside Mark Chapman and Babar Hayat, the other promising batsmen in the line-up, deliver the goods and help the side punch above their weight.
Hong Kong had an extremely disappointing Asia Cup campaign, where they failed to beat Oman, UAE, who didn’t qualify for World T20, or Afghanistan. They will hope that they can somehow turn their fortunes around and show that they are worthy of a spot in the qualifying stage of the mega-starrer.
However, the team was jolted when there were reports about the players were being investigated by the anti-corruption unit. Even if the team comes out clean, the news will affect the players and it’ll make it difficult for them to take the field with a free mind. If the players, support staff and all involved with the team can shut out all the noise regarding this issue, it’ll become an even more interesting contest as the team will walk onto the field trying to prove a point and that’ll make them as dangerous as any other team.
Teams:
Zimbabwe (From): Hamilton Masakadza(c), Vusi Sibanda, Richmond Mutumbami(w), Sean Williams, Malcolm Waller, Peter Moor, Elton Chigumbura, Tendai Chatara, Tawanda Mupariwa, Donald Tiripano, Wellington Masakadza, Tinashe Panyangara, Sikandar Raza, Tendai Chisoro, Chamu Chibhabha
Hong Kong (From): James Atkinson(w), Ryan Campbell, Babar Hayat, Mark Chapman, Nizakat Khan, Anshuman Rath, Kinchit Shah, Tanwir Afzal(c), Aizaz Khan, Waqas Barkat, Haseeb Amjad, Waqas Khan, Nadeem Ahmed, Tanveer Ahmed, Christopher Carter
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