Kingston, Jamaica: Zimbabwe’s cricketing credibility is on the line when they face debutants Ireland in World Cup Group D on Thursday but they remain confident of a winning start.

In the past, the African side would have been capable of battling with teams such as group rivals Pakistan and hosts West Indies for qualification to the Super Eights stage.

But after all the upheavals in their game – contract rows and political strife leading to the loss of the bulk of their experienced players – they risk losing further face against one of the tournament’s minor nations.

Zimbabwe coach Kevin Curran laughed off the notion though that his young and inexperienced side start as underdogs against the Irish.