Chevrons’ World Cup hopes hang on a thread

THe group stages of the Cricket World Cup are reaching the business end of proceedings with Zimbabwe in danger of failing to make it to the knockout rounds.While the likes of India, South Africa and West Indies all look set for quarter-final berths, the Chevrons are hanging on by a thread in the competition following three crushing results.
With only one win against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Zimbabwe will be without captain Elton Chigumbura in their make-or-break clash against Ireland on Saturday.

The 28-year-old all-rounder was hurt in Sunday’s 20-run loss to Pakistan when he tripped and fell while chasing a ball in the Gabba outfield.
Zimbabwe have just two points in four Pool B games after a win over the UAE and three defeats to South Africa, West Indies and Pakistan.
After Saturday’s game, they will complete their pool fixtures against defending champions India in Auckland on March 14.

Ireland have declared that their game with Zimbabwe would be “a very big one” after their World Cup thrashing by South Africa.
Hashim Amla’s 159 and Faf du Plessis’s 109 helped South Africa to 411-4 with the Irish all-out for 210 in Canberra on Tuesday.
However, a win in Hobart on Saturday will keep Zimbababwe’s hopes of a quarter-final spot very much alive.

“The game against Zimbabwe is now very big for us,” said captain William Porterfield.
“We will be looking to go down there (to Hobart) and pick up two points.”
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