Chevrons eye redemption in Sri Lanka

Don Makanyanga

THE Zimbabwe senior men’s cricket team interim coach, Walter Chawaguta, says the Chevrons still regret failing to qualify for the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Chawaguta has been entrusted with leading the Chevrons in their first international series of the new year after taking over from Dave Houghton, who resigned a fortnight ago.

“Just speaking to the players, I do get a sense of deep regret for the below-par performances at the Africa Qualifier (in Namibia), but equally evident in the group is a deep desire to right the wrongs of the recent past,” he said.

“It feels good being back; I always relish an opportunity to add value to cricket in Zimbabwe.”

The Chevrons are expected to leave this week for a white-ball tour of Sri Lanka.

The two teams will clash in three ODIs and three T20Is, starting on Saturday.

Chawaguta is optimistic his side could regain the form that won them the hearts of many Zimbabwean sports enthusiasts in the last two years.

The tour of Sri Lanka could provide the ideal starting point.

“This is a team that produced impressive results in the recent past and won the hearts of many Zimbabweans,”he added.

“I believe the resources to regain form are available in the team and we need a renewed sense of belief in our ability.”

He urged the senior players to take responsibility and encouraged the rest of the team to freely express themselves.

“Senior players need to continue to take more ownership of the team’s performances, while we continue to encourage a free, open dressing room environment where players can express themselves with bat and ball.”

Chawaguta, however, admitted that the Chevrons will not find it easy on the sub-continent where spin is the preferred form of attack.

“We have had good success before in Sri Lanka. Our success hinged on the way we have played spin there and I do believe that it’s going to be our main challenge in Sri Lanka, hence we have to be prepared to use our options against their spin attack.

“I have urged the players to brace themselves for a competitive tour,”he said. After a disappointing outing at the ODI World Cup in October in India, Sri Lanka, just like Zimbabwe, are seeking redemption.

Chawaguta will be hoping Zimbabwe will not face a Lions’ backlash and return from the two limited-overs tour empty-handed.

“If we win one out of two series, I would consider this a successful tour; whereas if we play our best cricket, winning both series is not outside the realm of possibility for us.”