MUMBAI (India)(The COW News Digital)West Indies coach Daren Sammy said Sunday his team has strategies in place to counter Zimbabwe’s towering fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani, acknowledging the 2.03m (6ft 8in) pacer as an “X-factor.”
The Caribbean side will start their Super Eights campaign at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Monday against Zimbabwe, who surprised many by topping a group that included Sri Lanka and Australia. Muzarabani emerged as a standout performer in the group stage, claiming nine wickets, including a remarkable 4-17 in Zimbabwe’s upset over Australia.
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Sammy said, “We plan for every single player. Not only him. He’s an X-factor. You’ve got to respect the opposition. We know the threat they bring against us but also what we need to do to neutralize it.”
The Super Eights format has drawn criticism after all four group winners—India, South Africa, West Indies, and Zimbabwe—were placed in one group, ensuring at least two top teams miss the semi-finals. Sammy defended the setup, noting that pre-seeding helps with logistics and allows fans to plan ahead.
On team fitness, Sammy hinted that all-rounder Romario Shepherd, who took a hat-trick against Scotland, could return after a week out due to a knee strain. “He practiced well yesterday, bowled very well, and hit the ball cleanly. All my soldiers are ready to go out to war,” Sammy said.
West Indies will now face Zimbabwe with a balanced squad, aiming to overcome the threats posed by Muzarabani and other key players as the Super Eights stage begins.
