It just happened. There was no reason to preview Zimbabwe team’s prospect at ICC World Cup 2015 at the end. It just happened with no particular sequence in mind. Zimbabwe in the recent past got a comprehensive white wash from Bangladesh. We must not judge their strength and opportunity from that at all. Bangladesh played much better cricket and won comprehensive at all formats. Zimbabwe just simply was not given any opportunity to revive and survive. Immediately before the Bangladesh tour Zimbabwe performed admirably at home against much stronger South Africa and Australia. We must not judge a team like Zimbabwe struggling to revive their past quality and class from a single series in completely different environment and a different surface. The present Zimbabwean team has class and quality to compete better with all opposition in Australia New Zealand.
Zimbabwe Squad: Elton Chigumbura (captain), Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chatara, Chamu Chibhabha, Craig Ervine, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Hamilton Masakadza, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Solomon Mire, Tawanda Mupariwa,Tinashe Panyangara, Brendan Taylor (wicket Keeper), Prosper Utseya, Sean Williams
There are not many surprises in the team excepting that well reputed Coach Dave Whatmore who has past proven career of coaching international teams–Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan will be in charge of the side. Elton Chigumbura is the captain, Hamilton Masakadza, who made his international debut 14 years ago, is set to play in his first World Cup. He along with Sikander Raza , Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine and Sean Williams will form the nucleus of batting of the team. The bowling group will be led by Tinashe Panyangara, who is likely to share the new ball with Tendai Chatara. They will be joined by Tawanda Mupariwa, the right-arm pacer, who last played an ODI in 2009. Tafadzwa Kamungozi, the leg spinner, and Raza and Stuart Matsikenyeri, the off spinners, complete the bowling unit.
Zimbabwe Squad: Elton Chigumbura (capt), Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chatara, Chamu Chibhabha, Craig Ervine, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Hamilton Masakadza, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Solomon Mire, Tawanda Mupariwa, Tinashe Panyangara, Brendan Taylor (wk), Prosper Utseya, Sean Williams.
Zimbabwe is in grouped with India, South Africa, Pakistan, West Indies, UAE and Ireland. For qualification from the group Zimbabwe has not beat at least all of the top four apart from winning against Ireland and UAE. The wickets of Australia and New Zealand will be better suited for their type of cricket. Yet they will find it extremely difficult to beat any of ICC full member team and even Ireland. If they bowl and field well restricting their opposition to anywhere around 220-230 then their batting on true surfaces may see them winning a few matches and upset the dreams of fancied teams.
The team is a blend of experienced professionals and some talented youngsters. I find no reason why they should not compete well against all opposition on surfaces where there are more than even chance of the batsmen and bowlers performing differently. Team has the potential of winning few matches and even against stronger opposition.
BDST: 0941 HRS, JAN 16, 2015
