Best ODI XI for major teams from the past 20 years

#10 Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe cricket had their golden period in ODIs from 1997-2002. They had brought together a batting and a bowling line-up who could bail the team from any adversity. The 1999 World Cup was one of the best tournaments Zimbabwe had. They had scored a victory over South Africa who had been the team to beat in the tournament. With this win, they had progressed to the super six stage. However, because of a slightly lower net run rate, New Zealand progressed to the semi-final instead.

The political problems in Zimbabwe paved the way for the decline in the standards of Zimbabwean cricket from which they have still not recovered fully.

Neil Johnson and Hamilton Masakadza make up the opening pair. Neil Johnson's contribution of substance came in the 1999 World Cup when Zimbabwe reached the super six stage. Hamilton Masakadza has been one of the silver linings for Zimbabwe in their miserable recent times.

Andy Flower and Grant Flower are slotted at No. 3 and No. 4 for they have performed various rescue acts and had been the backbone of their success.

Keeping wickets will be Brendan Taylor, batting at no. 5 who has amassed over 5000 runs. He has been the best middle-order batsman for Zimbabwe in the recent times.

Elton Chigumbura, who is a hard-hitting all-rounder make up the no. 6 position. Prosper Utseya, being a frontline spinner and a useful lower-order batsman is included in no. 7.

The fast-bowling department is headed by Heath Streak, the skipper with another explosive lower-order batsman Andy Blignaut and Henry Olonga playing his second fiddle. Heath Streak is one of the four Zimbabwean bowlers to have taken 100 wickets and the best bowler to have played for Zimbabwe. Graeme Cremer has also been one of the best spinners with a decent average of 31 in 81 One-dayers.

We take a look at the best One-day XI for them.

1. Neil Johnson
2. Hamilton Masakadza
3. Andy Flower
4. Grant Flower
5. Brendan Taylor (wk)
6. Elton Chigumbura
7. Prosper Utseya
8. Heath Streak (c)
9. Andy Blignaut
10. Henry Olonga
11. Graeme Cremer