The win in Zimbabwe vs Australia had not taken place by basic brute force but through discipline, awareness and as Brian Bennett put it, by parking our egos and setting our total to a defendable total. Following an impressive 23-run win in Colombo that followed the gorgeous opening of Zimbabwe, the opener demonstrated the composure of thought that was behind one of the most laidback performances in the T20 world cup.
First, it was triggered by the 169 of 2 which was scored by Bennett whose unbeaten 64 on 56 balls was the backbone of Zimbabwe. On a surface in the western end of the square of the Khettarama face, the spirits required the wisdom more than the violence. One of the boundaries was long compared to the other one and as the wind was blowing across the ground Zimbabwes batters rapidly altered their plan.
Instead of looking at creating highlights, Zimbabwe made it a point to work angles as a strategist and would go to the shorter side only when he felt like and, most importantly, ran with great speed between the wickets. Bennett acknowledged that the middle discussions revolved around how to control the match-ups and avoid the temptation of clearing the larger boundary.
Bennett explained that they had good bowlers. It was essential to stop our egos there, particularly in the direction of the larger boundary with the match-ups and the wind. It was rather the hitting the ball on the ground, the twos, and running them hard. The clarity meant apprehensive accumulation even in cases where boundaries were few.
That calculated approach was however, the item set up by an opening partnership which was brisk. Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani followed with 61 on the first wicket where Marumani made 35 out of 21 balls. His initial aggression meant that Zimbabwe maximised the powerplay without compromising on it carelessly. The duo took a lead to 47 without losing in the initial six overs which became the pattern in the next rounds.
Bennett on his part started softly. He also realised that the pitch paid off waiting and with time the timing would be better than when it got settled. I began slow enough, he acknowledged, but it was the kind of wicket where it is easier to start as compared to the start. His innings worked out to be the stabilising factor with wickets saved and partners changed smoothly.
Toure vs Winter Olympics clearly demonstrated more maturity than reputation. The two wicks lost by Zimbabwe in 20 overs is against a bowling attack that was full of experience and pace. Such control was denied to Australia any chance of accumulating a long-term pressure.
The plan was rewarded as the bowlers of Zimbabwe destroyed the chase of Australia later. But quite a steady knock made by Bennett was a guarantee that the target was a competitor, not a guess. Zimbabwe’s aggregate looked justifiable on a ground on which 170 seemed to be above par because of the size and the wind factor.
Notably, the victory places Zimbabwe in a very strong position in the group B. Having won two out of two matches including a victory over Oman in the past, they are currently at par with Sri Lanka and are within touching distance of the Super Eights. There is an increase in confidence, but Bennett emphasized the role of perspective.
Yes, it is a fantastic beginning with two out of two wins, he said. However, we must revisit the drawing board and not be too ambitious. Future matches with Ireland and Sri Lanka will ascertain whether this trend will be transferred to qualification.
Lastly, Zimbabwe vs Australia was a lesson that T20 cricket does not necessarily involve hitting balls with power. Even the most resistant can be overcome with the help of game awareness, adaptability and collective discipline. The batters of Zimbabwe proved that it is sometimes success to be conservative, to be content with twos instead of dangerous boundaries and alliances instead of individual accomplishments.
To a team that has been said to be underdogs frequently, such a victory is an indicator of increased faith and strategic maturity. Assuming that they continue to show the same level of execution perfection, Zimbabwe might continue to make itself one of the defining stories in the tournament. What Bennett is saying is not too complex the message of Bennett is Ego-free cricket wins big matches.
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