Can Zimbabwe Come Out Strong This Time?

If you are looking to script the story of Zimbabwe cricket and make a film out of it then you are a perfect opportunist. Indeed the history of Zimbabwe cricket in the recent past has been one of ups and downs. After having got their ICC Affiliation they played in World Cup 1983 and went off to a dream start beating Australia. They even came close to humiliating India, but for that match saving innings by Kapil Dev. Their performance in the next two editions of the World Cup was not inspiring, but their progress as a cricketing nation inspired ICC to give them test status. In the way they became the ninth test nation in 1992. Their initial performances in the test arena were very week.

Zimbabwean Players in World Cup 1999

All through the 90’s they improved in the ODI format though. Many talented cricketers such as wicket-keeper batsman Andy Flower, batsmen Grant Flower, Murray Goodwin, David Houghton and Alistair Campbell and all-rounders Heath Streak, Andy Blignaut, etc. led the way to the gradual improvement of the Zimbabwean cricket team. They got to the super six stages of world Cup 1999 and did not get through to the semi-finals merely on the basis of inferior run-rate. Their one day performances even reflected in their Test results and the team won first test series against Pakistan. During the late 90s they could beat any team on their best days.

Andy Flower & Henry Olonga Wore Black Armbands

But then this talented cricket team faced one upset after the other. The political unrest in Zimbabwe loomed large on the World Cup 2003. Even some Zimbabwe players, namely Henry Olonga and Andy Flower wore black armbands to mourn the death of democracy. England avoided playing in Zimbabwe. After the World Cup both the above mentioned protestors left Zimbabwe never to return again in fear of execution. In 2004 already weakened Zimbabwe side protested vehemently against political intervention and racism in team selection. ZCU had introduced a new regulation according to which there would be percentage equilibrium of the black and white players in the side. Heath Streak was also sacked from his captaincy. The team lost many important members such as Travis Friend, Andy Blignaut, Douglas Marillier, Sean Ervine, Craig Wishart among others due to this policy. This coupled with the recent departure of players such as Neil Johnson, Murray Goodwin and Grant Flower made the team crumble.

After Losing Key Players Zimbabwe Lost the Way

Though Heath Streak was reinstated later but he resigned in 2005 leaving Zimbabwe cricket in dismay. Tatenda Tiabu was named as the next captain, but differences between him (along with host of other players) and the ZCU over central contracts forced him to resign too. What followed was a series of embarrassing results. They lost a test to New Zealand within two days and were the first team to be bowled out twice in a test against India in their home series. In January 2006 the ZCU that they would suspend test playing and try to build a better team. They have ever since not played much of International cricket. Though they have played regularly against Bangladesh in One Day and T20 format, but they have gone from the favourites to underdogs in this duel.  

Recent Success against Bangladesh was a Dream Comeback

They have recently re-surfaced on the International arena and their first signs are inspiring. They won their comeback series against Bangladesh. The ODI series was bagged by Zimbabwe 3-2, while they also managed to win the One-off Test Series.  In their present series against the Kiwis they are looking competitive at times, while lost at others. Hope this new coming of the Zimbabwean cricket team would be as inspiring as the 1999 World Cup performances and they will give a hard time to big guys of World Cricket.