A few years ago, with Robert Mugabe’s brutal cronies digging their claws into Zimbabwean society and cricket, it was almost inconceivable that the southern African country would compete in a major world event. And though they’re rank underdogs in a group that includes New Zealand and Sri Lanka, no pushovers, it’s been a good last year for Zimbabwean cricket.
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have toured with no gripes. The country’s domestic cricket has staggered onto its feet, with the Logan Cup and a new franchise Twenty20 tournament attracting even foreign players. And Zimbabwe are better acquainted with West Indian conditions than most; just two months ago they recovered from 0 for 3 to register an astonishing win over the hosts.
Smart thinking outside the box, and some electric fielding, has benefited Zimbabwe; their seamers were almost an afterthought, with captain Prosper Utseya and full-blooded veteran Ray Price opening the bowling with their spin. Graeme Cremer, a classic leg-spinner with plenty of potential, and the promising Greg Lamb also contributed to a mid-overs strangle, with Chris Mpofu and Elton Chigumbura also capable of snapping up useful wickets.
A pair of wicket-keeping batsmen, Tatenda Taibu and Brendan Taylor, make for dogged competitors. Taylor–who famously led Zimbabwe to victory over Australia in the inaugural Twenty20 world event–is capable both of anchoring and hitting out, while Taibu is always experimenting with reverse-sweeps and fine dabs, a cheekiness well-suited to the format. Add to that the clean hitting of Charles Coventry–the poor 194* bloke who’s practically had to apologize for making his former record score against “soft” Bangladesh–and the aggression of Andy Blignaut and Elton Chigumbura, both of them capable medium-pacers who can whack the ball.
Timycen Maruma, a googly specialist, mayn’t make the team’s starting lineup but is a useful backup, and Hamilton Masakadza is a powerful striker in the top order. Bespectacled Vusi Sibanda, especially fond of leg-side shots, could be the more staid companion to Masakadza, and Chamu Chibabha can also chip in usefully with bat and ball. Craig Ervine–brother of former international Sean, who now plies his wares for Hampshire–is also in the wings as a left-handed batsman.
They’re rank outsiders but it’s dogged determination that has seen Zimbabwean cricket emerge from the political fiasco. A bit more of that could really spice up the tournament.
Group: B, v Sri Lanka and New Zealand at Providence, Guyana
Watch out for: Elton Chigumbura’s lusty hitting can be a sight. His bowling is attacking if expensive, and his uncompromising hitting–like that of returnee Andy Blignaut–could really boost Zimbabwe in the innings’ closing overs.
