Zimbabwe hoping to cause a few surprises

S S Ramaswamy

Mumbai, Feb 15 (PTI) With no realistic chances ofclinching the coveted title, Zimbabwe would be looking tocause a few upsets when they commence their campaign in theWorld Cup against holders Australia at Ahmedabad on February21.

Having entered the Super Six in 1999 and 2003, Zimbabwewould be entertaining hopes of advancing to the knockoutstage in this edition from Group A in which they are pooledwith Australia, Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Canada andKenya.

One surprise result against any of the four fanciedoutfits plus victories over lesser rated Canada and Kenyacould catapult the Elton Chigumbara-led outfit into thequarterfinals.

Zimbabwe have created upsets in past World Cups, notablyin 1983 when they stunned Australia and in 1999, when the megatournament was again hosted by England, by defeating India andSouth Africa.

In 1983, they almost pulled the rug from under India''sfeet by reducing the latter to a sorry-reading 17 for 5 beforeKapil Dev played a magnificent captain''s knock of 175 not outto resurrect the team''s fortunes and take them all the way tothe crown.

The current Zimbabwe side does not possess the bowlingattack of that 1983 squad, which reveled in seaming Englishconditions, nor does it have the batting depth of the 1999squad. (More) PTI SSR DK PM