Triangular Series: Zimbabwe Continue Giant Killing-Spree
They have always been one of the most talented sides in the world, and their suspension from Test cricket has more to do with politics and nothing with their cricket structure. The Zimbabwe cricket team has proven that if the base is strong, even the weakest of sides can trounce the mightiest of opponents, and they outdid even themselves by putting a leash on the firing Sri Lankan lions ahead of the final of the Tri-Series, at the Harare Sports Club.
Under the coaching of the highly talented Dave Houghton, Zimbabwe continued their giant-killing spree, and cruised to a convincing 8 wicket win over Sri Lanka in the inconsequential match of the Tri-Series at home. The match was of importance only to those players who either wanted to prove their worth or gain a morale-boosting advantage ahead of the grand finale on Wednesday, but Zimbabwe proved to be the better side with a win that proves that their consecutive wins against India were no flukes.
The visiting Lankans got off to a flying start after being put into bat, but despite the century opening stand between skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan and Upul Tharanga, the middle order collapsed. Dilshan‘s 78 and Tharanga‘s 69 were the only notable knocks in the modest total of 236, something that was not expected after 122 runs were added for the first wicket.
Like their semi-final in the recently concluded Twenty20 World Cup, the Sri Lankans suddenly started losing wickets against their opponents, who had more spinners than the entire Lankan squad. The likes of Chris Mpofu, Prosper Utseya and Graeme Cremer brought down the Lankan innings for 236, with 2.1 overs to spare and with 2 wickets apiece.
Chasing 237 to win the match and grab a sensational victory, Zimbabwe were off to a flier, with Brendan Taylor extending his amazing form against the likes of Jeevan Mendis, Thissara Perera, Thilan Thushara and Dilhara Fernando. He scored an unbeaten 119 off 137 deliveries, his second ODI century, and guided his side to 240 for two in the same number of overs faced by the Lankans, with varied results.
Taylor got good support from Chamu Chibhabha, who scored 58 valuable runs in the second wicket partnership of 134 runs, while Tatenda Taibu helped Taylor in completing the chase with 42 not out. This means the Zimbabweans go into the final of the event with their heads held high, and their morale sky-high.
This is not the first time the Zimbabweans have given an out of the ordinary performance. The won the very first One Day International they played in 1983, defeating the mighty Australians, who had a full fledged side featuring the likes of Dennis Lillee and Allan Border. They also won the match in the 1992 World Cup against the eventual runners-up England, and gave a tough time to Sri Lanka as well in a match that will be remembered for Andy Flower’s debut century rather than Sri Lanka’s eventual victory.
Zimbabwe had become a force to reckon with by the time the 1999 World Cup arrived. They had won matches against all the major cricket nations, a series in Pakistan, and even managed to qualify for the second stage of the mega event. Cricketers like Andy Flower, Grant Flower, Heath Streak, Alistair Campbell, Neil Johnson, Murray Goodwin, Paul Strang, as well as stalwarts Dave Houghton and Duncan Fletcher became world famous due to their will and grit, something they seem to have transferred to the current squad. If the Zimbabweans continue to perform the way they are doing currently, there is nothing in this world that would stop them from reclaiming their test status, and their lost glory!
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