The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi
FOR Zimbabwe’s cricketers, the visits to Netherlands and Ireland are more than just a tour of duty.
Zimbabwe and Ireland have formed a ‘rivalry’ which has been growing over the past few years with the Irish having more to prove than the Chevrons.
The Irish have always felt that they are better than the Zimbabweans, but don’t have numbers to show for it.
The two nations have played 10 ODIs with Zimbabwe enjoying a 65% winning ratio against Ireland, ranked 12th, which is one rung below Zimbabwe in ODIs.
So where does this rivalry come from?
It must be the first ever meeting between the two sides in the 2007 World Cup. The clash ended in a famous tie, which was the third tied match in World Cup history.
Or it must be Ireland’s controversial win during the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand where eight replays were needed to decide if Ireland’s John Mooney’s feet had touched the boundary in completing a catch off Sean Williams.
Ironically, Zimbabwe and Ireland are not part of the on-going World Cup in England and Wales.
Instead, the two teams will be engaged in their own war in three ODIs and three T20s from July 1 to 13.
Their last meeting was in the ICC World Qualifier where Zimbabwe won by 107 runs in Harare last year.
Zimbabwe’s squad of 16 left for Europe yesterday for a tour of Netherlands first, for three ODIs and the two T20s from June 19 to 25.
Premier batsman Brandon Taylor, who played in the famous tied match in 2007, is aware of Ireland’s threat.
“They are extremely tough opponents. They are very passionate people and we have had some great contests in the past.
“Playing them in their own backyard is extra challenging. They are a hungry nation with a big point to prove. But I think our preparations have been really good,” Taylor told The Sunday Mail Sport.
The 33-year-old said facing Netherlands first will be good preparation for the much tougher Ireland.
Batting coach Stuart Matsikenyeri, who was the man on strike when Zimbabwe needed one run off one ball to beat Ireland in the 2007 World Cup match, also expects a tough Irish outfit.
“They always bring a big fight, they always bring a good game.
“Our concern is a matter of adjusting as soon we get there.
“Most of our batters have a fair bit of experience. They played in the last European tour conditions.
“Any international team will be coming out with a point to prove. The Dutch are behind us at the moment and beating us will be big for them as far as points are concerned so we won’t take them lightly,” Matsikenyeri said.
Ireland have played some good games this year, facing England in a one-off ODI in a match they lost by four wickets in Dublin.
A tri-series featuring Bangladesh and West Indies also followed at their home before they hosted Afghanistan in a drawn (1-1) ODI series in May.
However, Zimbabwe coach Lalchand Rajput believes that his side is well prepared after a month-long camp which followed their 4-0 whitewash over UAE in April.
“I know Ireland now have Test status and they have been doing well recently, but we are not taking any team lightly. We will go and play good cricket and win games.
“That’s the mindset, slowly the mindset of our players is changing. You saw that against UAE we wanted to win badly and we won 4-0.
“We have had a good camp and preparations. Hopefully we will execute well on tour,” said Rajput.
