World Cup: India look to finish group stage with 100% win record

Anand Vasu

Two teams with contrasting fortunes will have their final fling of the group stage of the World Cup at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday. India, riding as high as they have in the start of a major global competition, are dead-set favourites to make it six out of six when they take on Zimbabwe.

For Zimbabwe, the tournament has been something of a damp squib, with only a solitary win against the United Arab Emirates from their five outings to show for their efforts. With the points table stacked as it is, the match has no real relevance. India will finish on top of Pool B irrespective of the result, and Zimbabwe have no chance of advancing to the knockouts.

The only aspect to look forward to is whether Zimbabwe can make the final international appearance of one of their best players a memorable one. Brendan Taylor, who has accepted a three-year deal with Nottinghamshire as a Kolpak player, will have one last chance at bat, and even if the team cannot win it for him, a spirited showing would go a long way. Taylor, who has played 23 Tests and 166 One-Day Internationals, managed 11 centuries in all, and was forced to take the tough decision to give up international cricket in a bid to secure his financial future.

Taylor has a young son, and with Zimbabwe playing fewer and fewer internationals against the top teams each year, it made little sense to keep carrying on.

“It’s been fairly enjoyable, the 11 years that I’ve been extremely grateful for. Every player’s dream is to represent their country, and I’ve been lucky enough to do that,” said Taylor.

“We’ve had our challenges as young players coming into the side. We’ve had some tough losses, but we’ve slowly evolved and managed to sneak a few great ones in for us. It’s been thoroughly enjoyable. But you know, a very proud moment for me. Sad for me that it’ll be ending, but I’m very proud to be a Zimbabwean, I’m very proud to represent my country on a great stage tomorrow to finish up and hopefully end on a high note, Taylor added.”

India, however, have been anything but sentimental this World Cup. While they will wish Taylor well – he was part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad but was never called up to come over to the IPL – no quarter will be given simply because this is his last game.

India have been clinical and ruthless in the tournament, brushing aside Pakistan in an emotional game and trampling all over South Africa, who came into the game with confidence and form on their side.

The challenge for India, of course, is not to take things lightly against Zimbabwe. In the normal course, this might have been something of a risk, but the manner in which matches have been spread out in this tournament has ensured that the players are constantly hungry, and looking to play cricket.


Wisden India