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| October 01, 2006 | Sunday | Ramazan 7, 1427 |
Zimbabwe coach backs youngsters to deliver
NEW DELHI, Sept 30: Zimbabwe's coach Kevin Curran on Saturday said his young team was a capable bunch and would prove its worth in the upcoming Champions Trophy.
“We have an inexperienced but talented team of players who can perform well in a tournament like this,” Curran said. “It is not going to be easy but we will surely put up a good fight.”
The side, led by Prosper Utseya, were the first team to arrive for the tournament which starts with a qualifying match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at Mohali on Oct 7.
Zimbabwe and West Indies will also be involved in a four-team battle for two berths in the main competition.
“It is going to be a massive learning curve for the guys. Obviously, with teams like Sri Lanka and the West Indies playing against us we have to be at our best,” said Curran, who played 11 one-dayers for Zimbabwe.
But the 47-year-old, who participated in the 1983 and 1987 World Cups, felt his team had an edge over Bangladesh, whom they beat 3-2 in a recent home series.
“There is no reason why we can't beat Bangladesh again but we also have to win another match to qualify,” said the former all-rounder who took over as coach from West Indian Phil Simmons last year.
Zimbabwe skipper Utseya was not bothered about lack of experience following an exodus of players for non-cricketing reasons.
“We have always done well in big tournaments like the World Cup. The current team may not have the experience but I think we are capable of causing a few upsets,” said the 21-year-old.
Zimbabwe's first match is against the West Indies in Ahmedabad on Oct 8.—AFP
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