It's always nice to score runs and contribute with the bat, says Chibhabha

It’s always nice to score runs and contribute with the bat, says Chibhabha: Chamu Chibhabha’s excellent knock of 72 from 100 balls was a positive that Zimbabwe would like to take from the disappointing 2^nd ODI loss against India. Chibhabha, a bating all-rounder has managed to produce some decent knocks on a sporadic basis in the shorter formats. He has scored 1623 runs in 71 ODIs with an average of 23.52. These stats are acceptable considering the fact that he plays for Zimbabwe side where players don’t get enough of opportunities. He has been in exceptional form in 2015 and his superb average of 44.42 is a testimony for that.

“I had no idea I’m averaging almost 45, but it’s always nice to score runs and contribute with the bat. I’m also putting in a couple of overs, and that brings balance to the team so I’m happy with my game at the moment.” He said.

Chibhabha ended up on the losing as Zimbabwe lost the match by a 62 run margin. His brilliant knock was in vain as the team regularly lost wickets at the other end. He was frustrated that he couldn’t steer Zimbabwe to triumph as he said

“I was a bit frustrated, since I’d got myself in and it was important for me to bat through and give the team a better chance to win the game. But at the end of the day, there are just some things you can’t control.”

Bhuvneshwar Kumar was impeccable as he decimated Zimbabwe’s top order with his pace and swing. Chibhabha admitted that it was tough hitting the new ball and things got better when the ball became old.

“I wasn’t really comfortable facing [Kumar] to start, and then I started moving my feet and coming down the wicket to put him off. It worked today. But to be honest with the ball we’re using at the moment, the Dukes, it does a bit early on so it’s always tough. You have to work a lot harder to get a start, and then it gets easier and easier. Today just wasn’t the day for our top order. We struggled in the first ten overs.”He added.

Initially Chibhabha was concerned on facing the Indian spinners but somehow managed to counter them with his technique. He was glad that his plans worked out quite well as he said.

“Actually when the spinners came on I was a bit worried, but I had a plan and it came off today, a lot of the success I’ve had lately, it’s more of my attitude and mental approach to the game. Not to worry about technique or anything, just backing myself to execute. To the left armer I was just staying leg side of the ball, and just hitting down the ground. Harbhajan was bowling a bit slower, back of a length, so I’d just stay back and punch it down the ground.”

Chibhabha also managed to put a decent effort with the ball as he picked the crucial wicket of the Indian captain. He is delighted of his contributions as a part time bowler which provides extra options for the Zimbabwe skipper. As he said, “I’d like to hope [my bowling is coming along nicely]. It always brings an option of bringing in an extra batter, because I’ll also put in a couple of overs. It helps the team in a way, so it’s important that I work on it.”

Zimbabwe had a slim chance chasing 272 but early wickets didn’t help them make any progress in chasing the target. They tried its best to register their 1^st win but India proved too hot to handle. He admits that his side gave all they had for their fans and said, “Chasing 270 at Sports Club in the afternoon, you’ve got a chance of winning the game. It’s a par score at Sports Club. But losing wickets early on is not going to do us any good, because you can catch up on runs but you can’t catch up on wickets. If you lose wickets then you’re always going to struggle. Every game we always give 100%, and it’s no different with the last ODI. We’re just going to go out there and play for pride and for our supporters as well. It’s important.”