Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
JUSTIN Sammons didn’t spin it. “We’re disappointed,” said Zimbabwe’s head coach after a 2-0 thrashing by South Africa. But disappointment barely begins to cover it.
What unfolded over the course of two Tests was nothing short of a cricketing disaster, a sobering reminder of how far the Chevrons are from competing with the elite. Flattened inside four days in the first match. Pulverised in three in the second. Outclassed, overrun, and ultimately humiliated.
It wasn’t just a series defeat. It was a brutal exposure of Zimbabwe’s brittle standards and flawed strategies, laid bare on one of the game’s biggest stages.
The first Test set the tone. Zimbabwe gambled on two seamers, Blessing Muzarabani and Tanaka Chivanga, and two spinners, Wellington Masakadza and Vincent Masekesa. The pitch didn’t suit spin. South Africa didn’t blink. And Zimbabwe, predictably, crumbled.
“We got it wrong,” admitted Sammons. “Going with the two spinners, based on all the information we had, it seemed like the right call. But it played differently, and we got it wrong. That’s on me. That’s my selection, and my responsibility.”
The second Test was even worse.
With one change, debutant seamer Kundai Matigimu in for Masekesa, the Chevrons looked to patch their bowling woes. They even started brightly, reducing South Africa to 20 odd for two on the opening morning after winning the toss and bowling first.
But it didn’t last.
“Our change bowlers couldn’t sustain the pressure,” Sammons said. “Not intentionally, they just didn’t find their rhythm. And once momentum shifted, we never got it back.”
South Africa went on to declare at a jaw dropping 626 for 5. Zimbabwe replied with 170 and 220. That’s 390 runs across two innings, just 23 more than one man alone managed.
That man was Wiaan Mulder.
The 27 year old all-rounder shredded records with an unbeaten 367. He toyed with the idea of chasing Brian Lara’s mythical 400*, but declared out of respect for the legend. Even in restraint, Mulder’s innings was an act of domination.
It was Mulder’s series, and Zimbabwe were reduced to bystanders.
Sammons did find minor positives in the wreckage. Chivanga showed glimpses of promise. Williams remained a class act.
“Chivanga’s improving,” said the coach. “He’s controlling his lengths better and starting to look like a real threat. Even the South African dressing room said as much. That’s encouraging. And Sean Williams? Exceptional. World class. No question.”
But the truth? These were specks of light in an otherwise bleak performance.
This wasn’t a close contest. It was a capitulation. One that raises serious questions about Zimbabwe’s preparation, selection and overall direction. With World Cup qualifiers and another home summer looming, the Chevrons aren’t just behind, they’re being left behind.
“We need to be better,” Sammons admitted. “Much better.”
And the country deserves better. Because right now, this team isn’t competing. It’s surviving.— @brandon_malvin
