Zimbabwe had a fairly brilliant cricketing year as 2022 saw them rising from a string of not-so-impressive results to winning the hearts of millions at the ICC T20 World Cup that was held in Australia; underscoring the positive changes that new coach Dave Houghton inspired.
ASHLEY DUBE
The Zimbabwe men’s national cricket team had a remarkable and memorable year, inducing fresh hope among the fans all-round the nation and worldwide, as they won hearts with some great wins and outstanding performances. However, it was not all smooth–sailing, with a number of below par results. ZimSphere gives a quick glance at the Chevrons’ ride in 2022.
Chevrons falter under the lights in Pallekele
The year began with the Chevrons touring Sri Lanka for a three-match One Day International series. The series was highly competitive poised at one-all following some impressive performances particularly from the batters who managed to post scores over 300 in the first two ODIs. In the deciding encounter, chasing a modest 255 for victory, the Chevrons collapsed spectacularly and were bundled out for 70 as Sri Lanka took the series 2-1.
The doom and gloom winter
The Chevrons then went on to face Namibia in a five-match T20I series. The series would serve as preparation for the T20 World Cup Qualifiers. Zimbabwe fell 3-2 much to the disappointment of the crowd at Queens Sports Club.
The series was followed up by an even further humbling experience as Zimbabwe lost all six matches against Afghanistan in a white ball series (3 ODIs &3 T20Is) at Harare Sports Club.
Following this streak of disappointing results, Lalchand Rajput was relieved of his duties as head coach.
Dave-ball and let the good times roll…
Dave Houghton was appointed as the next head-coach by Zimbabwe Cricket with his first assignment being to ensure the qualification to the first round of the Twenty-Twenty World Cup.
The Chevrons steamrolled over the competition winning all five matches which culminated in an impressive win over the Netherlands in the final.
Sikandar Raza was named player of the tournament following his outstanding all-round performances.
The Chevrons followed up the qualification with series wins over Bangladesh in T20 and One Day internationals, winning both series by two games to one.
Sikandar Raza’s rich vein of form continued particularly in the One Day match-ups as he scored two blistering centuries in as many games; anchoring two successful run-chases. He was amply supported by Innocent Kaia, Regis Chakabva as well as Tony Munyonga.
In all these matches the Chevrons exhibited a brand new, positive and aggressive approach, “Dave-ball.” India whitewashed Zimbabwe in a three match ODI series but Zimbabwe came out with positives such as Brad Evans getting a five wicket haul in the third match.
The Chevrons then went down under to tour Australia for a three-match ODI series. The Chevrons lost 2-1 but made history in the process as they got their first win over Australia on Australian soil.
The Chevrons closed 2022 with participation in the T20 world cup. After qualifying for the Super 12 following wins over arch rivals Ireland and Scotland, the Chevrons won hearts of cricket fans the world over with a one run win over pre-tournament favourites Pakistan.
Following a no-result against South Africa, a semi-final berth was in sight. However, the dream quickly fizzled out as Zimbabwe lost to Bangladesh, Netherlands and India.
The cancellation of the Afghanistan series in November/December means the Chevrons will return to action in January 2023 where they will face Ireland in three One Day Internationals and three T20 internationals.
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