Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
BRUISED and battered Zimbabwe’s national cricket team have a lot to learn from the disappointments they experienced in the last few weeks against top opposition.
The Chevrons, who have become accustomed to losing by big margins of late, slumped to a new low after losing the second Test to New Zealand by an innings and 359 runs, to bring the curtain down on this hopelessly lopsided two-match Test series.
Records tumbled on both sides as this was the heaviest Test defeat for Zimbabwe in cricket history and the biggest victory ever for the Black Caps.
The trend has been like that against reputable opposition, with the Chevrons faring pitifully in the recent T20I triangular series that also involved South Africa and the preceding Test matches against the Proteas.
Another series against Sri Lanka at Harare Sports Club later this month is on the cards. This will lead to the crucial ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final, which Zimbabwe will host from 19 September to 4 October.
The eight-nation regional final will determine the last two African spots for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Zimbabwe will prepare for the qualifier against Sri Lanka in two ODIs and three T20Is from August 29. This should come as a necessary diversion from the difficult Test struggles.
“Yes, I think it’s — yeah, it’s not easy to say it’s a relief,” said national team coach Justin Sammons.
“But I think it certainly is, I think it will be a refresher. You know, just to go into a different format. A format that we last played — when did we play Ireland in February? So, to have two ODIs would be nice.
“And, obviously we had played a decent ODI, one international cricket, prior to us beating Ireland and bringing fresh blood into the group, you know. New energy is always good.
“And obviously the shorter format; it naturally brings that energy in any case. So we are looking forward to it. This has been extremely, extremely difficult,” said Sammons.
Zimbabwe lost the first Test by nine wickets. They failed to redeem themselves in the second, with underwhelming performances after they were bowled out for 125 and 117 runs, chasing 601/3 (declared).
“But I’m still positive that, like I said, if we’re patient, the results will show. It might not be now, but I’m positive moving forward into Sri Lanka (series) and the qualifiers, which we know is the main goal,” said Sammons.
Zimbabwe will host regional opponents Namibia, Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and Nigeria for the Qualifier, as they look to bounce back to the T20 World Cup after missing the last edition held jointly in US and West Indies in 2022.
“That for us is the big one. And I think, you know, these tough moments do stand you in good stead. As long as you stay motivated, like we speak about, to keep your head held high.
“We’ve got to go out there when we’re playing those qualifiers. Like New Zealand has come out against us, yeah. You know, with the same attitude.
“Like South Africa played us, with the same attitude. That’s the attitude we’ve got to bring to qualifiers when we’re playing lesser teams. We’ve got to believe and show them that they’re a long way below us. You know, that’s our attitude,” said Sammons.
