Zimbabwe pin hopes on Flower’s finger

Published March 3, 2003

BULAWAYO (Zimbabwe), March 2: Grant Flower’s spinning finger could well hold the key to Zimbabwe’s chances of pulling off an upset win over Pakistan in their match on Tuesday.

Although Pakistan will be heavily fancied to beat Zimbabwe in a game both sides need to win to have a chance of qualifying for the Super Six stage, Flower will be hoping to reproduce his remarkable track record at Queens Sports Club.

The one-day all rounder’s batting average of 61.57 at the Bulaqwayo venue is almost double his career average but he did not play in Zimbabwe’s game against Holland on Friday because of a badly cut finger.

He sustained the injury while fielding in the match against India in Harare on Feb 19, and the wound required five stitches.

However Zimbabwe nearly always play two spinners on the flat Queens Sports Club pitch, and they need Flower to partner leg-spinner Brian Murphy.—Reuters