Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo – Zimpapers Sports Hub
BRENDAN Taylor has smashed his way into cricket royalty after becoming only the third Zimbabwean batter to cross the 10 000-run barrier in international cricket.
The 39-year-old stalwart, who recently made a sensational return after serving a three-and-a-half-year ban, reached the milestone on Sunday at Harare Sports Club during the Chevrons’ second ODI clash against Sri Lanka.
Taylor, once the golden boy of Zimbabwe cricket, joins an exclusive league previously reserved for the legendary Flower brothers, Andy and Grant. He made 20 runs in Sunday’s outing, nudging his career tally to 10 009 runs from 320 innings.
Andy still leads the pack with 11 580 runs while Grant has 10 028, meaning Taylor has officially leapfrogged into the conversation of Zimbabwe’s greatest willow wielders.
Records have always followed Taylor, and this one is no different. He already holds the national record for the most centuries in international cricket (17), edging Andy Flower by one. On top of that, he is just one game shy of equalling Grant’s 288 caps — only Hamilton Masakadza (313) has played more.
From his gritty stroke play to his never-say-die attitude, Taylor’s story has always been box office. His 10k milestone now cements his legacy as one of Zimbabwe’s true cricket gladiators.
