Tinashe Kusema-Zimpapers Sports Hub

THE weather forecast does not paint a pretty picture for the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, which officially gets underway in Zimbabwe and Namibia today.

While it is generally expected to be cloudy with low chances of rain in Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, the situation looks dire in Zimbabwe.

In Harare, temperatures are expected to range from a high of 22 degrees Celsius with chances of rain over the next four or five days while in Bulawayo, rains are more of a certainty with chances of thunderstorms during the next week.

This could seriously affect the start of the World Cup, where Zimbabwe begin their campaign with a date against Scotland at Takashinga Sports Club in Highfield, while India play the US at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

Caribbean Islanders West Indies wrap up the opening day’s fixtures when they play debutants Tanzania at the HP Oval in Windhoek, Namibia.

Yesterday’s afternoon showers threatened to derail the hosts’ final workout before the World Cup, leaving Zimbabwe assistant coach Nobert Manyande looking up to the heavens.

“It’s something out of our control, but we are certainly hoping, and praying, that tomorrow (today) the skies open up a bit so that the sun comes out and cricket can be played,” said Manyande.

“However, as I said, it is out of control.

“We can’t change or control the weather, but we are cricketers and we want to get onto that field and play.

“The boys want it, and they are ready for the challenge,” he said.

Zimbabwe are no strangers to weather disruptions and head into the World Cup well prepared. In fact, the rains saved them well during the recent Youth One Day International (ODI) Tri-series against the Afghanistan and Pakistan Under-19 teams.

There, the hosts sailed into the final after their first games against both Pakistan and Afghanistan were abandoned due to rain.

Their lone victory over Afghanistan (19 runs) was enough to book their place in the final, after which they were blown away by the winners, Pakistan, by nine wickets.

However, the Zimbabwe technical team have largely shied away from putting too much emphasis on results, opting instead to concentrate on getting their house in order and ensuring each member of the team knows their role.

That has been largely the main theme of both their preparations and build-up to the World Cup.

“I think we, obviously, have been trying to finalise which combinations work in terms of our batting line-ups and our bowling partnerships as well,” said the Zimbabwe assistant coach.

“We have had a few guys, who managed to score a few runs. The bowling has been tested on numerous occasions, but we have come back with answers and tried to rectify some of the things that we need to do,’’ added Manyande.

He went on to dispel any talk of panic or fears over the team’s batting, which appears to be the weakest link.

Zimbabwe’s batting frailties were brought into question during the tri-series and, most recently, the humbling defeat to New Zealand on Monday.

“I wouldn’t say that we are worried (about the batting),” he said.

“They now understand what is required at this level and will simply need to match up with it.

“We have been working with them during the last couple of days.

“Our batting hasn’t been that great, but we managed to get a few guys getting some starts and some making half-centuries.

“Hopefully, after the work we have put in, we continue to get good performances now that the World Cup is here,” he said.

Zimbabwe are in Pool C alongside England, Pakistan and Scotland.

The hosts, of course, kick off their World Cup campaign today with a must-win match-up against Scotland, after which they play England on Sunday.

They will then wrap up their group stages against one of the tournament favourites, Pakistan, on January 22, with the match slated for Takashinga Sports Club.

With the Under-19 Asia Cup crown under their belt, which was followed by victory in the tri-series in Zimbabwe, Pakistan have already underlined their credentials as a force to be reckoned with at this World Cup.

They will now be eyeing their third title after registering successive triumphs in 2004 and 2006. Led by Farhan Yousaf, Pakistan will get their campaign underway at the marquee tournament against England on January 16. Ironically, the Asian Cup champions are the only team that Zimbabwe go into the tournament with some greater knowledge on, regarding their arsenal.

The two recently faced off in that tri-series final, which Pakistan convincingly won.

“I won’t be able to pre-empt much, but we have had a look at Scotland, and we are quite confident that we should be able to play a good game against them,” said Manyande.

“As it pertains to England and Pakistan, we know what they bring to the table.

“Those will be tough match-ups but if we manage to play to our full potential, we should be able to produce good results,” he said.