Online Reporter
FORGET the blow below the belt that by the end of this latest ODI cricket battle between Zimbabwe and Australia, the first of which gets underway today at Harare Sports Club, four of the Chevrons will be over the age of 40.
Well, if you have been reading the authoritative Aussie cricket website, 111.cricket.com.au, you probably read their article which, in a way, was mocking the ages of four of the Chevrons.
The players include stand-in skipper Sikandar Raza.
“The Pakistan-born Raza is in fact one of four Zimbabweans who will be aged 40 or over by the end of the series,” the website noted.
“Along with 41-year-old Craig Ervine, fellow veteran Brendan Taylor (40) has been recalled for his first ODIs in a year, while leg-spinner Graeme Cremer (who turns 40 between the second and third ODIs) could end an eight-year ODI absence.”
That’s factual and, in a way, it’s also quite suggestive.
Numbers don’t lie.
But, it’s easy to get swallowed into all this stuff and start feeling that the Aussies have a very low opinion of the opposition they will face in this duel, including the OLD BOYS CLUB.
But, that is quite far away from the truth.
One just needs to go back seven months back, visit the same website, and get a true reflection of what the Aussies think about us.
The article deals with what the website dubs “From A Mess To History: Zimbabwe’s Path To Respect.’
It revisits painful defeats to Namibia and Uganda which saw the Chevrons become the only Test playing nation not to make the World Cup in 2024.
“Zimbabwe have long had a checkered history at major ICC tournaments dating back to their maiden 50-over World Cup appearance in 1983 when they stunned Australia by 13 runs in the country’s first ever one-day international.
“They did the same in their first match at a T20 World Cup in 2007’s inaugural event when they chased down Ricky Ponting’s side’s 139 with one ball to spare but then failed to make it out of the group after losing to England the following day.
“But in recent times their record has been even more erratic.
“The African side failed to qualify for the 10-team ODI World Cup in England in 2019 for the first time in 36 years after losing to United Arab Emirates in a global qualifying event that they hosted in Zimbabwe.”
Then, the Chevrons decided it was time to stop the rot.
It’s something the article acknowledges in an interview with Raza.
“I remember when we were told that we had to play the sub-regional Qualifier B in Kenya,” Raza recalled.
“I remember sitting down with the squad and said either we feel sorry for ourselves and be ashamed or actually understand the reality, and the reality is it is because of us we are in this mess and it’s only us who can get us out.
“We all got together and worked towards a singular goal, which was to win the qualifiers, get to the World Cup and then write our own history and story.
“We all unanimously agreed that, yes, it was our own fault because we kept most of the same squad and … (it was) only us could get us out. “Yes, our country does deserve more respect and recognition, and us as cricketers also deserve more respect, and we can only do that by doing X, Y, Z.
“We all sat down and laid down a plan. Along the way (we knew) we’d have bad games and a lot of criticism would come our way.
“But if we stayed true to our plan and kept trusting each other and created a better culture and environment for our team to thrive in, we’d be fine.
“To see the results after almost two years is certainly very pleasing.”
Raza’s side have lifted their win percentage above 50 percent (by February this year) since the start of their qualifying campaign (19 wins from 36 completed matches), beating fellow full member teams Pakistan, Afghanistan, Ireland, Sri Lanka and now Australia in T20 internationals in the process, as well as an understrength India in their first match after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Last year Zimbabwe played more Tests than they’d done since 2001 and their consistent exposure to the top-ranked nations is paying off, clinically accounting for Oman by eight wickets in their opening match of this year’s T20 World Cup before simply outplaying Australia to seal a top two spot in Group B with a game in hand.
They’ve also unearthed some young stars throughout their resurgence, with the likes of 22-year-old Brian Bennett – who hit an unbeaten 64 against Australia – and his 24-year-old opening partner Tadiwanashe Marumani poised to take on the mantle once veterans Raza (aged 39) and Brendan Taylor (40) move on.
Raza has vowed his side is not done, with reaching the Super Eight simply part of a larger goal to bring lasting recognition to cricket in his country.
“We’ve got other goals to achieve, and we remain focused for that,” said Raza.
“One of the goals we set out for was certainly that we’re going to bring more recognition and respect to our country.
“Whatever has happened in the past has happened, but this group of boys and the way we have been together for a long time and the way we have gone about our business with utmost honesty and integrity towards the game itself and to each other in the changing room – that was one of the things we set out for.
“To see now … everybody else taking notice of Zimbabwe and putting Zimbabwe in a very respectable manner and taking notice of our country is certainly very humbling and pleasing.
“This is probably the first time in a long time where the fans have travelled to support.
“Honestly, I cannot tell you how proud I am of these boys.”
Raza knows the challenge – beat the Aussies again and the world will notice again and the respect will flow again. – Sports Reporter/www.cricket.com.au
