African Sports Monthly Feb, 2015 | Page 20

New Heights For Zimbabwe

The future of Zimbabwean domestic club cricket finally got under way despite the fact that the cash strapped Zimbabwe Cricket authorities failed to secure a sponsor.

Zimbabwe Cricket is yet to secure sponsorship for the unbranded one day competition, Twenty20 and the longer version of the game. Major sponsors Stanbic bank pulled out of the T20 competition that used to attract internationally acclaimed cricketers who include the big hitting Chris Gayle of the West Indies.

But the country successfully hosted a Tri Nations One Day International tournament that also included South Africa and Australia. The tournament was eventually won by neighbors South Africa who beat the Aussies.

But Zimbabwe made their own piece of history. Needing just 210 runs in 50 overs, Zimbabwe did the unthinkable at Harare Sports Clubs as they romped to a well deserved three wicket victory over the number one ODI ranked Australia in a nail biting encounter.

The win by the Zimbabwe team was the first against the mighty Australians since 1983 and it came against all odds as few gave the boys a chance against the tourists. None of the Zimbabwe players were born the last time Zimbabwe had beaten Australia.

Zimbabwe's Cricket Squad Headed to the 2015 Cricket World Cup

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