Zimbabwe: showing signs of progress

After years of having nothing to cheer for, the Zimbabwean spectators at Harare finally got a reason to be more than happy to see their national team in the finale of the tri-series. This series has witnessed some of the most unexpected results of all time. The Zimbabwean cricket team was often considered as an underdog. Almost all of us anticipated as to which two teams, out of the three would play in the finals. But shockingly, that was not what happened. India was thrashed, humiliated and eventually thrown out of the series as a result of losing to Zimbabwe in both their matches. No one expected Zimbabwe to play so authoritatively . We have seen similar instances in the past where the most competitive and strong sides have been defeated by the so-called underdogs. Except for a certain Rohit Sharma, all of the batsmen struggled in the tour. In contrast to the Indian team, however, there were a lot of positives to be taken for hosts Zimbabwe, who only faltered at the final hurdle.

Zimbabwe: can upset any team

The final was disappointingly a one-sided affair. The Lankans were fully aware of Zimbabwe’s potential and hence they carefully started off, putting them into bat after winning the toss. Zimbabwe struggled to get the required start and the momentum drifted towards a Sri Lankan team that came back much strongly after their defeat from the last match. Brendan Taylor, the century maker was sent back to the pavilion early by Dilhara Fernando. The partnership between Tatenda Taibu and Greg Lamb was the only hope for Zimbabwe to reach anywhere near a respectable total. At one point, they were only 49 for 3. Taibu’s 71 and Lamb’s 37 helped the hosts reach a total of 199 as they were bowled out in 49 overs. The combination of spin and fast bowlers proved helpful to wrap up the Zimbabwean innings. They say low-scoring matches are always interesting till the last moment, but the Lankans were in no mood to prove it. They came out firing from all cylinders. A century from Dilshan put the Lankans in the driver’s seat. The captain returned to form and along with a 72 from Upul Tharanga established a huge opening partnership of 160. Sri Lanka ultimately clinched the series by winning the match in the 35^th over with 9 wickets to spare. The Sri Lankan skipper was named Man of the Match while Brendan Taylor was named Man of the Series.

Zimbabwe’s dream run finally came to an end, but the team has established themselves as a side that can upset any other team. Under Mark Butcher, it is in good hands and for cricket lovers there can be no better sight than to see the regular pushovers fighting against the odds and trying to get back their rightful place among cricket elites.