The Sunday Mail
ZIMBABWE’S left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza says he is unfazed by prospects of being a target by the Afghanistan batsmen when the two teams play in a crucial World T20 encounter on Saturday.
The 22-year-old attained career best figures of 4/28 in the 11-run win against Scotland and could be under the spotlight when Zimbabwe take on Afghanistan in a must win clash.
Welly Masakadza celebrates a wicket during Zimbabwe’s match against Scotland
“(I am) not (under-pressure) at all because that can be a chance for taking more wickets if I execute my skills right,” said Masakadza when asked how will handle being an Afghan batsmen target.
Instead he says he is focused on getting the basics right and being disciplined as he is aware of the danger Afghanistan, whom they are yet to beat in four meetings, pose.
“I would say pretty much the same way I have been doing, but just try to execute more on the skill side of cricket as they are a better side than the other two teams.
“They will be a good test and I think we have to improve in our fielding, but other than that I think we have done well,” he said.
The left-arm orthodox is currently Zimbabwe’s most successful bowler in the tournament with five wickets from the two matches, as he continues to impress in his fledgling international career.
“The secret really has been to learn from the guys who have been around for some time, they have the experience.
“I am trying to learn something from the opposition as well,” said Masakadza who has taken eight T20I wickets in six matches with an economy of 7.90.
He said the team is enjoying their time in India and would want to lengthen their stay by winning against Afghanistan and progressing to the main stage of the competition to play England, Sri Lanka, West Indies and South Africa.
“Yeah, everyone still wants to be here, we hope to get into the next round and play more matches,” said the Manicaland Mountaineers player who enjoys playing alongside his brother Hamilton.
“I really don’t see a change from the way we play together back home.
“He doesn’t put me under pressure and that has helped me a lot to adapt in international cricket,” he said.
