Published: Feb 16, 2015, 03:39 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 16, 2015, 05:09 PM (IST)
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, still in its early stages, has already witnessed two inspiring performance from the so-called weaker teams. Zimbabwe gave top-contenders South Africa a run for their money, while Ireland gave West Indies a 4-wicket beating. Rishad D’Souza feels the minnows are not here just to add numbers.
After causing upsets in the last two editions of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, Ireland entered the 2015 edition with the title of giant-killers. Though Zimbabwe do not technically categorise as ‘minnows’ as they still have Test status, they entered the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 with critics giving them no chance of winning against the top teams. SCORECARD: Ireland vs West Indies ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
Both teams have already proven that they can be more than a handful. In the warm up stages, Zimbabwe had favourites New Zealand reeling at 157/7 but incessant rain did not allow for our curiosity as to Zimbabwe‘s preparedness in terms of batting against top teams be answered. In the next match against Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe answered the question in the affirmative. They chased down Sri Lanka’s 279 in 45.2 overs with seven wickets to spare.
Entering the tournament proper, Zimbabwe had the daunting task of facing South Africa in their very first match. However, they responded to the challenge very positively. They had South Africa reeling at 83 for four with batsmen like AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla back in the hut cheaply. However, David Miller and JP Duminy performed the rescue operation for South Africa and propelled their team to 339 in their innings. SCORECARD: South Africa vs Zimbabwe ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
Contrary to expectation, Zimbabwe did not crumble for a 200-run defeat. They in fact had the South Africa skipper, de Villiers, sweating profusely for lack of ideas and looked good to overhaul the total at 191 for two. Then wickets started falling and Zimbabwe finally were bowled out for 277. While South Africa finally won comprehensively, Zimbabwe did give them a tough fight. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: POINTS TABLE
West Indies’ essay against Ireland bore slight resemblance to South Africa’s wherein the top order collapsed but two batsmen — Darren Sammy and Lendl Simmons fought back hard to take West Indies from five for 87 and finally helping West Indies get past 300. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: SCHEDULE & MATCH DETAILS
Ireland’s response also began positively. Paul Stirling smashed an 84-ball 92 setting the foundation and tone of the Irish chase. Ed Joyce was in boisterous mood smashing 84 of 67 balls. Niall O’Brien also came to the party scoring 79 off 60 balls. The collective efforts saw Ireland live up to the tag of ‘giant-killers’.
The way these teams have performed is indicative of their intent; the intent to come and win matches and not simply add the numbers. Taking these teams lightly could be suicidal for the higher-ranked sides.
(Rishad D’Souza, a reporter with CricketCountry, gave up hopes of playing Test cricket after a poor gully-cricket career. He now reports on the sport. You can follow @RishadDsouza on Twitter)
