Zimbabwean cricket has gone through many moments of highs and low. There have been some moments in Zimbabwean cricket history that has defined the nation’s history. Political and financial issues have played their part in pushing back Zimbabwe cricket in the last few years. Today in this article we will discuss five of thr most historic Zimbabwe victories in the history of international cricket.
The first match in the list is against England at 1992 Cricket World Cup. England were through to the semi-final of the 1992 World Cup, when they met Zimbabwe at Albury for their last league game. England won the toss and chose to field and dismissed Zimbabwe for just 134 runs. Zimbabwean bowlers fought back, though Neil Fairbrother and Alec Stewart tried to post a recovery, the Zimbabwe bowlers hit back to bowl them out, 10 runs short of the target as Brandes walked away with the man of the match award.
The second match in the list is against Pakistan at Peshawar. After putting Pakistan in to bat, Streak and Henry Olonga took control and sent the hosts packing for 296. Neil Johnson scored a ton for Zimbabwe, but that wasn’t enough for them to take a lead as they were bowled out for 238. Chasing 162, Zimbabwe made no mistake as they got home with seven wickets in hand and Murray Goodwin anchored the classic run-chase. This was a famous win in the history of Zimbabwe cricket.
The third match in the list is against India at 1999 Cricket World Cup. India put Zimbabwe in to bat and they scored 252, with Andy Flower leading the way with 68 not out. Though India slumped to 56 for three, they seemed in control with Sadagoppan Ramesh controlling the innings. Robin Singh battled on and took India to 246 for seven when Olonga dismissed him for 35. India scored only three more runs as Olonga bowled Javagal Srinath and then trapped Venkatesh Prasad to clinch a thrilling three-run victory.
The fourth match in the list is against South Africa in the same edition of the World Cup. Johnson set the tone with an innings of 76 as Zimbabwe put up 233 on the board. Johnson wasn’t done there as his seamers were in play, combining with Streak to form a lethal combo. South Africa were reduced to 40 for six as Shaun Pollock and Lance Klusner fought, with both scoring fifties, but it was too much for them. Zimbabwe sailed into the Super Sixes of that tournament and won hearts of people round the globe.
The fifth match in the list is against the Kiwis in 2011. The Kiwi batsmen were on a mission, smashing 328 as Ross Taylor smacked 119 and Kane Williamson got 100 off only 69 balls. However, at 183 for five in 30 overs, New Zealand were clear favourites. That was when the pairing of Malcolm Waller and Elton Chigumbura got together and added 95 in the next 14 overs. Waller remained unbeaten on 99 and despite batting with the last man, he ensured victory in the last over.
