Just a couple of months back, Zimbabwe and its supporters were on cloud nine after a successful re-entry into the elite league of Test playing nations and add to that a comfortable ODI series victory against Bangladesh, the picture was really rosy. But, the fall has been equally swift and it has taken no more than two series’ to prove that the African nation needs to do lot before they can shed the minnow tag or even think of competing against the big boys.
First came Pakistan and the hosts drew a blank in the one-off Test, three ODIs and a couple T20 matches. The disappointing show was followed by an even worse performance in the two Twenty 20 games that kick started New Zealand’s tour. In fact, both the matches ended as a pasting for Zimbabwe as the vast gulf between the two sides was more than visible. While the visitors will like to see the domination continue, Zimbabwe have to do something about it quickly otherwise a white-wash on the lines of the Pakistan series is a strong possibility.
What Zimbabwe need are a few charged performances in the field that will lift the morale of the whole squad. Skipper Brendon Taylor has been among the runs but a match-winning knock is missing. Chamu Chibhabha too has shined sporadically but a real innings of substance is awaited from the opener. Likewise, the bowlers haven’t made a mark even though, Ray Price, Kyle Jarvis, Christopher Mpofu have been good but what the team needs is excellence.
As far as New Zealand are concerned, the tour is sort of a prelude before they lock horns with Trans-Tasman rivals, Australia. Having been off the grids for about six months, the Zimbabwe series is a good opportunity for the players to get into shape before the grueling Test series on Aussie soil. Moreover, the newly appointed skipper, Ross Taylor can get some international wins under his belt before they face stiffer opponents.
So far, the opening pair of Brendon McCullum and martin Guptill have been outstanding with back to back century partnerships in the two T20s. Given the way, the hosts’ listless bowling has been carted all over the park; a repeat of the fireworks shouldn’t surprise many. In the bowling department, Kyle Mills and Bracewell have impressed. To sum it up, New Zealand start as overwhelming favourites at Harare.
Zimbabwe Squad: Brendan Taylor (C), Chamu Chibhabha, Christopher Mpofu, Elton Chigumbura, Forster Mutizwa, Hamilton Masakadza, Keegan Meth, Kyle Jarvis, Malcolm Waller, Natsai Mushangwe, Prosper Utseya, Ray Price, Tatenda Taibu (wk), Vusimuzi Sibanda.
New Zealand Squad: Ross Taylor (capt), Graeme Aldridge, Doug Bracewell, James Franklin, Martin Guptil, Brendon McCullum, Nathan McCullum, Andy McKay, Kyle Mills, Rob Nicol, Jacob Oram, Jesse Ryder, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson, Luke Woodcock.
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