A day after recording a nerve wrecking two-run victory over Afghanistan in the International Cricket Council Cricket World Cup Qualifier, Zimbabwe gave the players a day off from training so they can recover ahead of their next match against Hong Kong at Queens Sports Club on Saturday.

The Chevrons were meant to hold a fine tuning session at the Old Mutual Heath Streak Academy on Wednesday afternoon but the technical department decided that the players deserved a break.

Lovemore Banda, the Chevrons team manager confirmed that Wednesday’s training session had been called off.

Zimbabwe resumed training Thursday this morning at the Heath Streak Academy before they fine tune at Queens Sports Club on Friday which is the venue for their third group B fixture against Hong Kong on Saturday.

A win over Afghanistan was so crucial for it was against a team that has given the Chevrons a torrid time.

Zimbabwe are second in their group with four points, the same as log leaders Scotland who have a superior net run rate.

With the loss, Afghanistan now have a mountain to climb because even if they beat Hong Kong and Nepal, they will not carry those points into the Super Six.

The Graeme Cremer led Chevrons must now ensure that they overpower Scotland when the two teams meet at Bulawayo Athletic Club on Monday so that they head into the next stage with four points so as to enhance their chances of being in the final come 25 March.

Zimbabwe will most likely take on West Indies, Ireland and Netherlands in the Super Six with the top two teams in that round heading to the final at Harare Sports Club.

The two teams that will make it to that final are also assured of a place in next year’s World Cup in England.

Zimbabwe looked like they had thrown it away after a terrible batting display saw them being bowled out for 196 in 43 overs.  

Brendan Taylor top scored with 89 while man of the match Sikandar Raza was second best with 60.

Raza turned things around with his off spin, picking up three crucial wickets while lanky fast bowler took a career best four for 47 runs.

Zimbabwe took it down to the last over bowled by left arm seamer Brian Vitori who got last batsman in Shapoor Zadran to edge one behind to be caught by Taylor.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan will be looking to redeem their campaign when they meet Hong Kong at BAC on Thursday while across the city at Queens Sports Club, Scotland clash with Nepal.

@Mdawini_29