THE Zimbabwe cricket team, the Chevrons might be in a wild goose chase when they play Ireland in their fifth ICC World Cup match in Hobart, Australia, tomorrow.
The Elton Chigumbura-captained side’s chances of making it to the round of eight met a heavy blow when they narrowly lost to Pakistan last Sunday.
Zimbabwe now has to play Ireland tomorrow before they wind up Pool B action with a clash against giants India.
From the remaining two fixtures, Zimbabwe can earn six points.
The team that can reach that total with a superior net run rate will proceed to the next round.
Zimbabwe blew away a chance of reaching the second round in a 20-run loss to Pakistan.
After the Asians set a target of 235 runs, it was Zimbabwe’s weakness with the bat, which had earlier appeared to be their strength, that saw the Chevrons breathing cold.
Synonymous with Zimbabwean performance, the top order batsmen failed to make meaningful contributions to the scoreboard.
Chamu Chibhabha perished for nine while Sikandar Raza Butt added eight runs to the scoreboard before he was sent to the pavilion.
Regis Chakabva found the shoes too big for him and was dropped.
Chibhabha also found the going tough while Butt is inconsistent with his batting.
Brendan Taylor was the highest contributor in the second innings as he scored a half century (50), but that was in vain as other batsmen failed to reach 36.
Skipper Chigumbura made 35 in a match he was injured while fielding.
Sean Williams hit 33 while Hamilton Masakadza contributed 29 runs.
Zimbabwe could have scored far much less, but the Asians were generous.
They gave away 19 extras.
Ireland has been a surprise package at the World Cup.
First, they shocked the world when they claimed the scalp of West Indies on February 16 with a four wickets victory.
The Irish went on to stamp their authority on the whipping boys United Arab Emirates (U.A.E).
With four points to their credit, Ireland need a victory against Zimbabwe to make it six points.
However, Zimbabweans now pin their hope on the outcome of the match against the Irish to boost their chances of reaching the round of eight.
A loss tomorrow means the dream of reaching the round of eight would have been shattered.
Good luck Chevrons!