‘Zimbabwe can surprise Pakistan, India’

Former Zimbabwe skipper Alistair Campbell feels that Zimbabwe possesses the potential to beat strong Pakistan and India teams on their way to secure a World Cup quarterfinal berth.

“The match against Ireland is crucial to our chances of progressing but we will have to beat Pakistan or India too,” said the former left hand batsman.

He said it was not impossible, however, Zimbabwe bowlers will have to limit the number of runs in the final overs.

“The best way of course is to take more early wickets,” said Campbell in his exclusive column for ICC.

“Our batting has been a problem area for a number of years so it has been a pleasure and relief to see it functioning well enough to register scores of 280 in all three matches against South Africa, the UAE and the West Indies,” he added.

Zimbabwe put resistance before going down against South Africa and West Indies while beating an adamant UAE.

The African side will have a daunting task to beat defending champions India, which have an immaculate campaign as of yet beating Pakistan and one of the tournament favorites South Africa.

However, they will face an underperforming Pakistan when the two sides meet on Sunday.

If they pull victories against Ireland, which are performing well, and beat lackluster Pakistan, then there will be a chance for the side to make it to the quarters from Pool B.