Zimbabwe skipper Tatenda Taibu feels his side has already seen the worst in the match against New Zealand in the opener and the only way for it now is to improve in all the departments of the game to avoid a similar fate against India in the Videocon Cup tri-series match in Harare, on Monday.
"We cannot do any worse. Our fielding was pathetic and so was our bowling and batting. There is room for improvement in all areas," said Taibu as his team underwent a solid two-hour practice session in the morning followed by a prolonged team meeting with coach Kevin Curran.
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The diminutive wicketkeeper also tried to recall other disasters to have struck his team at this venue. It was in Harare where Zimbabwe were shot out for the lowest total ever seen in one-day internationals -- a paltry 35 against Sri Lanka last year.
It was also in Harare when Zimbabwe were dismissed for 99 and 59 in two innings in one day against New Zealand in the first Test a few weeks ago.
Taibu, while refusing to be drawn into the controversy about Zimbabwe's Test status, instead asserted that the game is getting more popular than ever in his country.
"Zimbabwe have future. If you look at the grassroots, there is improvement. The time when I grew up, soccer was being played on the streets. And now when you walk around in the same area, cricket is being played by boys."
Taibu didn't make much of India's poor showing against New Zealand and that it failed to come to terms with Shane Bond's express pace.
"I don't put much into that. Indians didn't do well but then it was only their first game. They can only get better," he said.
"As for Bond he is right up there with the fastest. Of course he is a different bowler when the ball is not swinging. With the new ball and especially with the late swing he gets, he can be lethal."
Taibu didn't think the toss is going to be an issue at this venue even as groundsman predicted it to be a 220-type of wicket at the best.
"Obviously the first 5-7 overs are helpful to the bowlers but then it goes in favour of batsmen."
Taibu did not rule out that his side could shock India tomorrow, but felt for that they would have to perform well in all three departments.
"Usually we do well in one department and then disappoint in other two. That's what we ask from the boys tomorrow."
History can offer some encouragement to Zimbabwe who defeated India in one of the ODIs in late 1990s, but then much has changed since then.
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