The Sunday Mail
“WEIRD” is not a common description of a sporting event, but it precisely described scenes at the end of Zimbabwe’s heartbreaking three-run loss to Bangladesh in Brisbane, Australia, on Sunday morning.
Bangladesh were celebrating as the players started to make their way off the field.
Blessing Muzarabani, Zimbabwe’s last man, had taken his pads off.
However, the game took a dramatic twist as the players were called back onto the field at the Gabba to re-bowl the final delivery after TV replays had shown that wicketkeeper, Nurul Hasan, had taken the last ball in front of the stumps.
Amid the chaos, it meant that Muzarabani had one more chance to win the game for Zimbabwe with a free hit, with just four runs needed against Mosaddek Hossain.
However, much like he had done the previous ball, Muzarabani swung and missed the ball entirely, and Hasan took the ball correctly and Bangladesh won the game for the second time.
“It was extremely weird,” Sean Williams was quoted saying after the match.
“I have never experienced something like that in a cricket match before, but again, it just goes to show in a T20 game, there is always a little bit of hope; anything can happen.
“The first time I realised that there was a no-ball was actually when we were walking out to shake the umpire’s hands.
“They told us to stop and the replay came on the big screen.
“We then all noticed that it was a no-ball,” he said.
For many, the Bangladesh loss has probably ended Zimbabwe’s dream for a historic semi-final berth, but hopes springs eternal for the Chevrons.
With two ICC T20 World Cup Super 12 fixtures remaining, Zimbabwe are in fourth place with three points from three games.
South Africa top the group with five points from the same number of games, while India and Bangladesh (four points each) are separated only by net run rate, in second and third place, respectively.
With only two slots available, the Chevrons could still make it through to the semi-finals.
However, for that to happen they will have to win their last games against the Netherlands and India, improve on the net run rate and hope the other results go their way.
First up is the clash against the Netherlands.
The two sides meet on Wednesday (5am local time).
Zimbabwe go into that match as clear favourites given the fact that the Dutch look to be the group’s whipping boys.
They are yet to register a win and currently anchor the group.
Zimbabwe also have a good record against the Dutch team.
The two teams have met four times, during which the Chevrons have won two matches and lost only once in the T20 format.
The other game was a draw.
While the Chevrons go into the game against the Netherlands as clear favourites, it is Sunday’s match-up against India that will be a clear test of their character and credentials. – Cricinfo/Online Reporter
