Can Zimbabwe become a decent team again?

[Executioner]

Zimbabwe have been in the international circuit for quite a while. They were a top side in late 90s and early noughties. But then onwards a downward spiral. Let me not fill up the details because we all know the events lately.

Just lately we have seen Zimbabwe get the better of Lanka. And with Taylor joining them they can become a decent side again. Their payment policy has been smoothened as well. Good enough to compete against top 6/7 teams although it's expected they would be on the losing side more often.

Is it another false dawn or are we going to see another golden era for Zimbabwe cricket?

 

[KyoOne]

Their economy is in shambles, and doemstic structure is poor.

Its surprising that an African country cant produce a single fast/fast medium bowler.

Need some investment in domestics and a bit of patience. Else, they'd soon be competing with the likes of UAE and Netherlands for regaining test status

 

[wrongun]

Their economy is in shambles, and doemstic structure is poor.

Its surprising that an African country cant produce a single fast/fast medium bowler.

Need some investment in domestics and a bit of patience. Else, they'd soon be competing with the likes of UAE and Netherlands for regaining test status

That's what I see in their future. They will struggle & continue to underachieve unless a government comes to power which can turn the country around. They are a borderline failed state at the moment.

 

[ExpressPacer]

I see a very bright future for Zimbabwe. Brendan Taylor was a terrific batsman to begin with and after his 3 years in County, he's bound to have further harnessed and improved his skills and technique. Hopefully he can carry on for another good decade or so and see Zimbabwe to good position in world Cricket.

I am also hopeful that Kyle Jarvis will return and he will be a real plus to the side.

 

[Executioner]

I see a very bright future for Zimbabwe. Brendan Taylor was a terrific batsman to begin with and after his 3 years in County, he's bound to have further harnessed and improved his skills and technique. Hopefully he can carry on for another good decade or so and see Zimbabwe to good position in world Cricket.

I am also hopeful that Kyle Jarvis will return and he will be a real plus to the side.

Wow good to see you positive about their cricket

 

[Convict]

Cricket wise it seems like things are on the mend due to finally sorting stuff out off field.

But who knows what will happen to Zimbabwe after Mugabe goes.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Wow good to see you positive about their cricket

Always supported the underdog. Even when Zimbabwe beat Pakistan in a Test, I sort of had a soft spot for them under all the sadness.

 

[reversehook]

Not just zimbabwe but the whole cricket scene needs to go T20 or T25 way... game has to be shortened and modernized enough that even smaller teams can have a chance.... small teams often bite on but end up losing after being very tight or on top for majority of 50 over game. But in shortest formats they will be much tougher and we can have a variety of teams/series than the same old tournies on repeat meaningless mode.

 

[cricketerB94]

They are already on par with SriLanka, West Indies, Bangladesh, NewZealand and pre Champions Trophy 2017 Pakistan. Zimbabwe against all these mentioned teams should be a good competition.

 

[Executioner]

They are already on par with SriLanka, West Indies, Bangladesh, NewZealand and pre Champions Trophy 2017 Pakistan. Zimbabwe against all these mentioned teams should be a good competition.

That's a serious over exaggeration.

That is the equivalent of saying that Masakadza is better than Tamim Guptill Rohit etc

 

[ExpressPacer]

The good thing with the Zimbabwean board is that - unlike South Africa - they are open to playing players of any color. At least now they are.

 

[Markhor]

The downfall of Zimbabwe cricket coincided with incompetent, corrupt and self-serving administrators taking over and playing political games at the expense of the team, driving their top players away.

People like Peter Chingoka and Ozias Bvute need to kept well away from Zimbabwe cricket. They looted the board with ICC funds lining their pockets.

They have a new managing director in Faisal Hasnain who was previously the ICC's financial director. They also have a new finance chief who amongst other things will try to introduce a proper system of player payments.

If they can sort themselves out of the field, organise regular series and improve their domestic structure there's grounds for optimism.

 

[shaz619]

The downfall of Zimbabwe cricket coincided with incompetent, corrupt and self-serving administrators taking over and playing political games at the expense of the team, driving their top players away.

People like Peter Chingoka and Ozias Bvute need to kept well away from Zimbabwe cricket. They looted the board with ICC funds lining their pockets.

They have a new managing director in Faisal Hasnain who was previously the ICC's financial director. They also have a new finance chief who amongst other things will try to introduce a proper system of player payments.

If they can sort themselves out of the field, organise regular series and improve their domestic structure there's grounds for optimism.

Taylor is back which is a huge boost and Jarvis will follow, great times ahead for the Zimbabweans they have made some decent moves in recent times

 

[cricketerB94]

That's a serious over exaggeration.

That is the equivalent of saying that Masakadza is better than Tamim Guptill Rohit etc

No. But they are getting there in terms of modern cricket. They are able to chase 300+ scores against spin heavy teams. They play some really good sweep shots. They bat deep. Their fitness is good. Their fielding is getting better. Their spin attack is decent. They have a good captain. Their only weakness is their pacers.

 

[Executioner]

No. But they are getting there in terms of modern cricket. They are able to chase 300+ scores against spin heavy teams. They play some really good sweep shots. They bat deep. Their fitness is good. Their fielding is getting better. Their spin attack is decent. They have a good captain. Their only weakness is their pacers.

I've been a big fan of Zimbabwe but I still think they are a long way away from being a decent side. Maybe in 2023 world cup we will see a good Zim side

 

[Shutdown Corner]

No. But they are getting there in terms of modern cricket. They are able to chase 300+ scores against spin heavy teams. They play some really good sweep shots. They bat deep. Their fitness is good. Their fielding is getting better. Their spin attack is decent. They have a good captain. Their only weakness is their pacers.

They beat Sri Lanka, which is very refreshing, but its just Sri Lanka. A half fit Malinga walks into their side which should tell you how thin they are at the moment.

Zimbabwe got bowled out for 54 all out at home against then-associate Afghanistan and lost by 100+ runs to Scotland.

They need Jarvis back to really be at full strength, but the good news is thats the only piece of the puzzle missing.

But they aren't going to be competing with the likes of India even with those guys.

 

[light]

With the inclusion of Taylor, their batting will definitely look much stronger. But the real questions is, how is their future prospect players at the moment?

 

[Markhor]

The amount of talent Zimbabwe have let slip through the net is painful.

Tom Curran, Sam Curran, Gary Ballance, Colin de Grandhomme, Hilton Cartwright.

 

[coy0607]

they were competitive in the 90's, but I would hardly say they were a 'top team'

but yeah, they need raw talent to be competitive again. That's what worked for them in the 90's, especially because they have never really had a great domestic structure to build players.
And with where the country is right now, I don't really see a lot of talent coming out and staying in Zimbabwe