The Sunday Mail
He was entrusted to open the batting and he did so with aplomb, helping Zimbabwe kickstart its ICC Under-19 World Cup campaign with thunderous 10 wicket victory over a hapless Papua New Guinea.
All-rounder Wesley Madhevere occupied a lower middle order position for most of Zimbabwe’s preparations, but when coach Steve Mangongo told him he would be opening the batting, the 17-year-old wasn’t fazed.
“I knew I could be more effective if I opened the batting, I had been told before that I would be opening,” he told The Sunday Mail Sport from New Zealand, where the World Cup is ongoing, yesterday.
Madhevere is making a second appearance at the teenagers’ cricket World Cup and his experience was too much for minnows Papua New Guinea, who Zimbabwe crushed in a rain-affected match.
The diminutive player first shone with the ball, getting 3 for 19 in four overs of his off-spin, as Papua New Guinea were bowled out for 95 in a match that was reduced to 20 overs.
Madhevere returned to outclass the south western Pacific Islanders with an unbeaten 53 with his opening partner Gregory Dollar scoring 41.
“I’m feeling great, so amazed because it’s just like a dream come true and i know it’s that kind of performance that can keep one going for the rest of the competition,” said Madhevere.
Three-time champions Australia – who play India today – are next for Zimbabwe on Wednesday, but Madhevere remains confident with his purple patch.
“I am confident, like I said it’s that one performance that gives you confidence and I know no matter how big the fight might be I’m able to overcome it.
I know it’s going to be a big test but because my confidence is high I back myself that I’ll bring up the same performance,” he said.
Zimbabwe captain Liam Roche said his side were next looking to upsetting the Aussies and India.
“As captain and speaking to the head coach, we were very glad with our performance (yesterday) and going forward, playing Australia and India, we will go with huge confidence.
“And all we looking for is repetitiveness of performing and executing our roles to the best of our ability and I am sure if we execute on the day I am sure we can pull through and be successful in both of those games,” he said.
