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AMID the gloom enveloping Zimbabwe Cricket right now, the game has given us a reason to smile by announcing that we are the winners of the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award for 2023.
The award is for the Chevrons’ sporting conduct following the thrilling victory over West Indies in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier match in Harare in June.
As Zimbabwe took the catch to end the game and keep their hopes of qualification alive, West Indies endured a damaging loss, and Zimbabwe were quick to console their counterparts after a dramatic contest.
“With Alzarri Joseph’s wicket inflicting a heart-breaking defeat on the West Indies, Zimbabwe players consoled him after the Antiguan was on his knees,” reported the Free Press Journal.
“The dismissal occurred in the 45th over of the innings as the Caribbeans were in pursuit of 269.
“With the Men in Maroon at 233-9, Joseph played a flick off Tendai Chatara’s bowling, but he couldn’t keep the ball down as Sikandar Raza caught the ball to deliver a 35-run win.
“Amid their celebrations, Zimbabwe players went to console Joseph.”
One of the players that offered consolation to the dejected Joseph was Sean Williams.
Reacting to the team’s Spirit of Cricket Award win, Williams said:
“We are humbled to receive this truly wonderful award in recognition of what we are about as a team and as a nation.
“After all, cricket is not just about winning and setting records – it is a game that has respect, friendship and fair play at its very core and these are values that we as cricketers should espouse.”
Yesterday, the ICC concluded its announcements of ICC Awards 2023 winners by revealing that Australia captain Pat Cummins has won the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year.
England all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt has won her second successive Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year. – Sports Reporter/ICC/Free Press Journal
Bongani Ndlovu
Mathew Masinge