malvernmugadzikwa
Brighton Zhawi
IT has been a while since Zimbabwe’s teenage cricketers made a significant impact at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 World Cup.
The class of 2004, which made it to the Super Six stage and recorded a famous group stage win over Australia, remains the most successful Zimbabwean side.
There has, however, been some notable individual feats by Zimbabwean teenage cricketers on the world stage.
Arguably the biggest achievement of them all is by Wesley Madhevere, who holds the record for most wickets — 28 — at the World Cup. Madhevere and Milton Shumba played at three Under-19 World Cups.
The 15th edition of the Under-19 global showpiece gets underway from January 19 to February 11 in Cape Town, South Africa, after being moved from initial hosts Sri Lanka, who were suspended by the ICC.
They have since been reinstated.
Zimbabwe are in action today in a warm-up tie against Ireland and they will wrap up their preparations with another preparatory match against USA on January 16.
They will begin their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on January 21.
On January 25, they take on Australia, before facing Namibia two days later in their final group match.
Zimbabwe’s group matches are at Diamond Oval in Kimberly.
The Young Chevrons coach, Prosper Utseya, reckons he has a quality side that can compete in the tournament.
“It is a tough group, but I believe we have a good chance of making it to the next stage,’’ Utseya said.
“We can definitely do better than the previous World Cup.
“Our preparations were much better this time. With the impact of Covid, it was a real challenge preparing our boys in the last World Cup.
“We are definitely aiming to push our limits and finish much higher this time around.”
He also indicated that the change in venue had not affected his side’s preparations.
“The moving of the tournament to South Africa did not affect much on our side.
“We were able to prepare as per our schedule.
“We went ahead with our camp in India. With the rainy season at home, we would not have been able to get as much training as we had in India.
“Having the boys in one place away from home also did well for our preparations.
“Moreover, we were able to get good opposition to test us well in India.”
New format
The tournament is the first to be played under a new format.
The 16 teams will be divided into four groups, with the top three from each group progressing to the Super Six stage, while the bottom-placed teams play each other in the placement games.
Two groups of six teams will then clash to determine the semi-finalists and finalists.
“The new format gives us a better chance to make it to the next round.
“We only need to win one match, unlike previously where you had to win two.
“We also get more matches against the top nations. This is key in the development of our players,’’ Utseya said.
He also welcomed the prevailing conditions in Cape Town.
“Conditions in South Africa are similar to home.
“Therefore, our boys are better adapted to them. So, it actually gives us an advantage.’’
Utseya, who was part of the “golden generation” at Under-19 level, hailed Madhevere for his achievement.
“It goes to show the capacity we have as a nation …
“With good preparation and enough international matches, our boys can actually compete with the best.’’
Utseya is glad Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) are putting efforts to strengthen the development structures.
“We came from a different development structure, where the quality of cricket was higher.
“There was more focus on longer version cricket, which helped the development of players at higher levels.
“We played a lot more cricket at schools and club level than the current crop has.
“However, I am glad to say this is an area ZC is looking to correct and we should be seeing changes soon.
“Having said that, I still believe this crop is talented enough.
“This generation has a lot at their disposal, in terms if facilities, equipment and technology. Therefore, they are able to progress a lot faster and surpass what we did back then.’’
Zimbabwe’s record at the Under-19 World Cup reads: 13 appearances (first in 1998), played 80, won 36, lost 44, winning percentage (45 percent) and best finish is sixth place in 2004.
Utseya believes there are no shortcuts if one is to perform at international level.
“From what I have observed, it’s paramount for a player to have some development time playing first-class and “A”-side cricket.
“Our crop went straight from Under-19 to international; I believe if we had more time to develop, we would have done a lot better.
“Another good example is Wesley Madhevere.
“He has struggled to be consistent. I think it would be much better for players to mature.
“However, this may be different for fast bowlers.
“Their career span is much shorter, so they can start a lot earlier.’’
Online Reporter