By Lawrence Trusida
The Zimbabwe national cricket side, the Chevrons failed to build on their momentum from the first match of the T2O World Cup after falling to the West Indies by 31 runs in the second match this Wednesday.
As a result, it is now do or die for the Chevrons in their last group match against Scotland on Friday after their loss to the West Indies.
Zimbabwe bowled well and restricted the Windies to 153 runs, with man of the moment Sikander Raza grabbing three wickets while Blessing Muzarabani chipped in with a couple of wickets.
The Chevrons had the best possible start after stand-in Captain Regis Chakabva blasted 19 runs off the first over to give Zimbabwe their best ever start in a T20 match.
His partner Wessly Madhevere, who opened the batting after Captain Craig Ervine pulled out of the team after suffering an asthma attack, all had a brisk start which gave hope of notching a victory over the more fancied opponents.
However, just when Zimbabwe was starting to believe, the West Indies introduced Alzarri Joseph who immediately claimed the scalp of Regis Chakabva and Tony Munyonga, swinging the game into the Islanders’ favour.
Quick wickets of the experienced pair of Sean Williams and Sikander Raza forced Zimbabwe to chase a game they were once leading.
It was a matter of time and it was soon confirmed with a 31 run defeat.
The defeat means the Chevrons have their work cut out in the last group match against Scotland on Friday.
With all the teams in Group B on two points apiece, it is winner take all in the final group matches on Friday.
The West Indies take on Ireland while Zimbabwe is up against Scotland.
However, with heavy rain forecast for the day there is a possibility that the matches might be rained out.
If that happens, Zimbabwe and Scotland will progress to the next round based on the current log standings.
