After impressive wins against cricketing heavyweights Australia and Pakistan, Zimbabwe are finally showing that they can match it with the big boys of international cricket.
Zimbabwe has had a controversial time on and off the field since its initiation as a Test playing nation in 1992. Political issues have seen the retirement of world-class players such as wicketkeeper-batsman Andy Flower, former captain Heath Streak, and speedster Henry Olonga.
Putting the past behind them, this seems to be a rejuvenated Zimbabwe side captained by exuberant off-spinner Prosper Utseya.
Zimbabwe shocked the cricketing world when they defeated a full strength Australian line up by 1 run in their first warm up match, thanks to the batting heroics of all-rounder Elton Chigumbura, who made a brutal 76 from 35 balls.
Chigumbura was once again the star as Zimbabwe were too good for Pakistan. Man-of-the-match Chigumbura scored an unbeaten 49 from 35 balls and also took three vital wickets to pull off a dramatic victory.
Zimbabwe face in-form Sri Lanka tonight in their first group match. This will be a true test of how far this embattled nation has come since the political scandals that rocked the side in the late 1990s.
Jordan McArdle
Roar Rookie
i totally agree Tommy, there is plenty of talent in the minow nations that never got looked at for the IPL, hopefully this T20 world cup showcases their talents! was disapointed the zimbabwe v sri lanka match was rained out!
tommy l
Guest
Well written article. Am also looking foward to seeing how Zimbawe and other minow nations go in their two matches, unless they git through. I think its time cricket tried to develop some of its minow countries into test playing nations. Zimbabwe have produced some great players over the years such as the Flower brothers, but its time other countries supported them more, with t20 giving countries the ablity to build teams more easily i think its time world cricket started supporting smaller nations. Players like Mohammed Ashraful, arguably Bangladesh's best ever player, averaging 40 in test and scoring a masterful 50 for bangladesh just last week, didn't even get a look at an IPL contract and I'm not sure whether he's even signed by a first class team. Its time cricket expanded past its traditional borders through t20 and started helping semi-established nations expand, instead of spendiing millions in China. Cheers
Republican
Guest
There is no such thing as the 'real deal' in T20 since the excessively truncated version of real cricket is little more than a slog fest that is mostly dependant on brawn and lots of luck.
M1tch
Roar Guru
Taylor has been around for a while and is still only 24, Sam Williams is in and out of the side but he also has some quality