Published: Mar 07, 2016, 08:18 PM (IST)
Edited: Mar 07, 2016, 08:20 PM (IST)
Nagpur: Ahead of the ICC World T20 2016 qualifying opener tomorrow, Hong Kong skipper Tanwir Afzal said Zimbabwe were an experienced side and his team had a plan for them. “They (Zimbabwe) are an experienced outfit but we have a plan for them. Their statistics are with us and suitable strategies are in place. Our side is young and our World Cup experience will add to development of the game back home,” Afzal told reporters here at the pre-match conference. While Zimbabwe play Hong Kong tomorrow at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Jamtha Stadium, Scotland take on Afghanistan at the same venue later in the evening. FULL SCORECARD: Zimbabwe vs Hong Kong, ICC World T20 2016, 1st warm up game
For Zimbabwe, return of the pace Tendai Chatara has added spice to their bowling attack. The team, whose support staff include Dave Whatmore, former Sri Lankan player Marvan Atapattu and ex-South African pacer Mkhaya Ntini, practised at the stadium.
Referring to the wicket of the India-South Africa match played here last here, Zimbabwe captain Hamilton Masakadza said, “That was a Test match and this track is prepared for Twenty20 cricket. It will definitely be a good surface.”
Apart from Hong Kong and Zimbabwe, the other teams in the qualifying stage of the tournament include Afghanistan, Scotland, Netherlands, Bangladesh, Ireland and Oman. Of these teams two will make it to the tournament proper, so the competition can be expected to be intense. Of these teams, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe are the only Test playing sides.
