The Sunday Mail
Amid all the drinking and chatting at a colourful send off ceremony for the Zimbabwe Cricket World Cup team at Borrowdale Golf and Country Club, The Sunday Mail Sport spoke to some of the players who gave their tournament expectations last week.
Sean Williams said: “I can’t promise anything, cricket is a funny game . . . but expectations are obviously very high that we beat Ireland and the UAE.
“We are looking forward to cause one major upset, we have shown we can beat top teams, all we need is three games to get through, I don’t really care who we beat.”
Sikandar Raza promised that; “I will give my country 120 percent and boost myself along with my teammates to create a culture and environment were all of us give more than what’s required.”
Top batsman Brendan Taylor phrased his promise in one word: “upset!”
While the skipper Elton Chigumbura promised, “We will go out positive . . . we promise fireworks.”
Leg spinner Tafadzwa Kamungozi is looking beyond the group stages, he said: “The guys are very confident of going through to the Super 8.”
And the Australian-based all-rounder; Solomon Mire had this to say: “Competitive cricket is what I am looking forward to.”
Batsman Craig Ervine said: “Everybody is going to give 100 percent. Everybody is looking for an upset; we want to redeem our selves from the Bangladesh tour.”
Comeback bowler Tawanda Mupariwa chose to be grateful for another World Cup stint; “I’m very positive and grateful for the opportunity.”
Opening bowler Tendai Chatara sang from the upset hymn, he said: “We are excited and we hope to cause an upset.”
While his bowling partner, Tinashe Panyangara, took the fielding side; “We promise good ground fielding and high catching.”
Returning batsman Chamu Chibhabha saw himself raising his bat, “I promise a World Cup hundred and to win games for the team.”
And another returning player, Stuart Matsikenyeri, concluded by promising sweat from his teammates; “Absolute effort is what we will give.” After all is said and done, the tournament will come and go, but the nation hopes the Chevrons would have lived up to their words.
