On Sunday, Zimbabwe defeated a rejuvenated New Zealand side, chasing down 304 in Harare. This is only the second time that Zimbabwe have successfully chased over 300, and both those wins have come against New Zealand. Here, we present 7 of Zimbabwe's most memorable ODI wins.
On Sunday, Zimbabwe defeated a rejuvenated New Zealand side, chasing down 304 in Harare. This is only the second time that Zimbabwe have successfully chased over 300, and both those wins have come against New Zealand. Here, we present 7 of Zimbabwe's most memorable ODI wins.
Zimbabwe v/s Australia, 1983 World Cup: This was Zimbabwe's first World Cup and their match against Australia saw their first major win in international cricket. After being 94, Zimbabwe reached 239 in 60 overs thanks to Duncan Fletcher (69 not out). Then while bowling, the rookie side thwarted Kepler Wessels (76) and staved off a late attack from Rodney Marsh (50 off 42 balls) to register a 13-run win.
India v/s Zimbabwe, 1999 World Cup: This match saw a shock defeat for India, who had already lost the first game to South Africa. After Zimbabwe posted a competitive 252, India had to chase 253 in 46 overs (thanks to bowling their overs very slowly). Though India scored at a fair clip from the beginning, they never got partnerships going. Robin Singh was out off the penultimate ball of the 45th over, with India still needing 4 runs to win. Next ball, batting horror Venkatesh Prasad was easily trapped LBW to give Zimbabwe a 3-run win.
It may also be mentioned that India were without Sachin Tendulkar, who had flown back to India following the death of his father.
Zimbabwe v/s South Africa, 1999 World Cup: Two upsets at a World Cup is one too many. South Africa, who had a very unfortunate outing in 1999, missing out on the final due to a tie, are rarely remembered for having lost to Zimbabwe in the league stages.
Zimbabwe put up a moderate 233/6 batting first, with only Allan Donald showing spunk in the South African bowling. Then, SA proceeded to collapse, falling to 40/6 before Shaun Pollock and Lance Klusener restored a semblance of pride by scoring fifties and taking the final total to 185.
India v/s Zimbabwe, 2002: In the first ODI at Faridabad, it was not the batsmen who batted Zimbabwe to victory, but a bowler called Douglas Marillier. India, after scoring a formidable 274, were on course for a victory having Zimbabwe down at 210/8 in the 45th over. Marillier went on a rampage, but an unusual one. He started to walk across his stumps and scoop bowlers like Zaheer Khan over the slips. This unusual exhibition of innovative batting from a tailender befuddled the Indians.
Marillier finished on 56 off 24 balls, taking Zimbabwe to a one-wicket win with two balls to spare.
Australia v/s Zimbabwe, ICC World Twenty20, 2007: It was that man Brendon Taylor, who took Zimbabwe to an improbable win against mighty Australia in the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup. Having restricted the Kangaroos to 138/9 in 20 overs (Chigumbura 3/20), Zimbabwe sustained the chase through opener Taylor, who finished on 60 not out off 45 balls, taking Zimbabwe to a 5-wicket win off the second last delivery.
Zimbabwe v/s New Zealand, 2011: This match had some eerie coincidences with the one on Sunday. It was the third match of a 3-match series and Zimbabwe had already lost the first two. But the Kiwis went on a rampage anyway, ramping up 328 with Ross Taylor (119) top scoring. Though Zimbabwe lost Vusi Sibanda early, Taylor and Tatenda Taibu built a solid stand and scored at a very good rate. However, at 183 for five in 30 overs, New Zealand were favourites. Malcolm Waller and Elton Chigumbura however had other plans, adding 95 in 14 overs. When Chigumbura was out, Walter finished the job, remaining 99 not out. This was the only time Zimbabwe had chased over 300 successfully, before Sunday's game. On Sunday, Ross Taylor again made a century, and Zimbabwe won.
Zimbabwe v/s Australia, 2014: In an ODI series which saw little global interest, Zimbabwe defeated Australia by 3 wickets in the 4th game. Once again Elton Chigumbura emerged as the hero, after Zimbabwe had restricted the Aussies to 209/9 in 50 overs. From 106/5, Chigumbura made a patient 52 off 68 balls. Even after Zimbabwe had slipped to 156/7, Chigumbura combined with Prosper Utseya (30 not out) to take Zimbabwe home with 12 balls left.
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