Brendan looking to follow Ross’ footsteps

Another Taylor looks to cause mayhem against Pakistan tomorrow.

KANDY:

With nightmares still afresh from the Ross Taylor mauling that Pakistan received on Tuesday, another Taylor – Zimbabwe’s opener Brendan –has sounded out a warning to the former champions ahead of their clash tomorrow.

Brendan scored a 72-ball 80 against Sri Lanka and has sought inspiration from Ross to upset Pakistan who look for a win to guarantee themselves a place in the quarter-finals.

“I admire Ross very much and if I can do what he did the other night, I’ll be really happy,” said Brendan. “We’re positive as always and we know what we’re up against. We believe in ourselves and if we put in a good performance, we can cause an upset.”

After a promising start, Pakistan’s batsmen have endured a horrible time – 184 against Canada and 192 against New Zealand. However, with Shahid Afridi topping the wicket-takers’ chart, Brendan confirmed it was their bowling more that remained a worry for the African nation.

“Their bowling is going to be more of a threat. They have Afridi, Shoaib Akhtar and Umar Gul who are bowling really well and we know what we’re up against.”

They last met over three years ago when Pakistan sealed a 5-0 series whitewash at home. Zimbabwe were let down by their batsmen who failed to carry the momentum. A 116-run opening stand against Sri Lanka failed to give cue to the middle-order as Zimbabwe were dismissed for 188.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better start but it’s frustrating to see the boys not score in the middle despite the talent they have. But I fancy them for Monday and I, myself, got to kick on against Pakistan from where I left off.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 13^th, 2011.