Zimbabwe stuns Pakistan!

Every now and then we see a result in cricket where the minnows beat the favorites, a David Vs Goliath kind of situation. On Tuesday, a similar instance took place at the Harare Sports Club where Zimbabwe beat the mighty Pakistan in the 1st ODI by 7 wickets. On paper, the 7 wicket victory sounds a comprehensive win and the best part is that it’s in a One Day International game. Upsets are regularly seen in the T20 format, but a win against a strong team in a 50 over game is a good achievement.

Since 2011, Zimbabwe has performed very poorly across all three formats. In fact, their worst performance has been in the T20’s. In the last two years, Zimbabwe has played 14 T20 matches and won only once. One would have expected a better achievement in the shortest form of the game.

Now in ODI’s in the last two years, Zimbabwe has won 9 out of the 32 games played. This consists of victories over test playing countries like Bangladesh, New Zealand and Pakistan. Zimbabwe should now try and repeat such instances of beating a test playing nation in ODI’s on a regular basis.

Zimbabwe have been playing international cricket since 1983 but have not been able to perform well consistently. Their performances have been constantly hindered due to the political unrest in the country which has resulted in quality players retiring at an early age and migrating to county cricket in England. Due to corruption issues within the Board, players have not benefitted financially and that has had a direct impact on their performances on the field. Just days before the Pakistan series began, Zimbabwe players were on strike due to nonpayment of dues by their board.
Such instances do no good to the team environment and this result in poor games on the field. The team has been blessed with good talent over the years and hence needs proper nurturing and care by the board so that the talent prospers and benefits Zimbabwe cricket. Former greats like Andy Flower can help Zimbabwe cricket perform better only if the board is able function in an orderly manner.

It would be great if Zimbabwe is able to repeat this feat and beat Pakistan in any of the remaining ODI’s of the ongoing series. Pakistan on the other hand would battle hard in the next match and Zimbabwe would find it difficult to win. But a winning Zimbabwean squad would be better for world cricket, in general.