mbulelo smpofu
Brandon Moyo, Brandonmalvin9@gmail.com
ZIMBABWE’S cricket has suffered a significant decline, and this was painfully evident during the recent three one-day international (ODI) series against Pakistan at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
A team that was once formidable and dominant was humbled by the tourists, suffering losses in both the ODI and T20I series. The second T20I was particularly disheartening, as it was a far cry from the glory days of Zimbabwean cricket.
The Chevrons failed to show up for the shorter version of the game, except for Thursday’s game. This begs the question: How long must the faithful cricket fans suffer such humiliation, especially since they pay their hard-earned money to watch these games? It is not only about losing games — this can happen to even the best teams — but how the losses happen.
The first T20I was proof of this decline, as the Chevrons fell from 87/3 in 10 overs to 108 all out in 15,3 overs. The second game was a repeat performance, with the team falling from 37 without loss in four overs to a catastrophic 57 all-out in 12,4 overs. This was their lowest score in the format and the second lowest by a Full Member after the West Indies.
Pakistan chased down their target comfortably in 5,3 overs. This was the largest victory margin by balls remaining between two Full Member nations in T20s.
As the players walked off the field, frustrated and dejected, the once-vociferous crowd, which had always supported the Chevrons, cheered the Pakistan team while singing against their own team out of sheer frustration.
Throughout the series, the Chevrons only managed to stand up during the ODI. They looked like a team “fulfilling a fixture” during the other games, which is unacceptable. Even if they cannot play for the badge, they should play for their fans, as they deserve better.
Sikandar Raza understands the importance of repaying fans’ loyalty, and acknowledged that the team needs to do better. Fans cannot endure such humiliation for long, and the team must recognise the urgency of improving their performance. They need to work harder and rebuild their reputation, or risk losing supporters indefinitely.
“Well, to be honest with you, they shouldn’t have to endure this. That’s all I can request from them. They have been very loyal and very supportive. We are disappointed that we haven’t put our hands up and given them good games against Pakistan. I’m not going to say that since our team is in transition, it will take a bit of time because I’m a big believer that we keep saying we are in transition and we keep saying that when we lose we are learning, but are we really learning?
“Because it seems like we keep repeating the same mistakes, and it’s not like we repeat the same mistake after 10 or 15 games — it looks like the following game, we do the same thing as we did in the last one. Nothing to take away from Pakistan, though — you have to respect the fact that they have a fantastic bowling unit. They’re one of the best in the world, but even against one of the best, I don’t think there’s any reason or logic for me to justify our performance.
“It’s a sorry state right now, but I know we can turn it around. All we’re asking from our fans is to keep backing us. And when the ship turns, you will enjoy it. It’s easy to turn against us now because we’ve had a few bad performances, but you also have to remember that this is the same squad that has made some very good performances as well.
“I think if your support is only going to be with us when we are doing well, and you turn your back on us when we’re not doing so well, then it doesn’t work. This is the time when you actually have to show a lot more support for the team, rather than when we are on a roll and winning,” said Raza.
The 38-year-old believes the players understand what it means to don the national badge and called for patience from the fans.
“I think everybody in the changing room knows what it means to wear the badge. But like I said not so long ago in one of the podcasts, you have to allow players to grind in domestic cricket. If the cap is given too easily, then you don’t understand the value of that national cap. We have picked the boys, and we’ve got to back them because I certainly believe these are the best T20 cricketers we have in the country right now.
“Guys have got three, four, five, six games under their belts, so you have to be a little bit more patient. I can understand the frustration, but I can only urge our brothers and sisters and friends that with a bit more patience and support, we know we can turn it around,” said Raza.
Zimbabwe only have a few days to get their act together as they are set to face Afghanistan in an all-format series starting on Wednesday at Harare Sports Club.
The two sides play three T20Is (December 11, 13, and 14) and as many ODIs (December 17, 19, and 21) at Harare Sports Club, before action shifts to Bulawayo for two Tests starting on Boxing Day. The second Test starts on January 2. — @brandon_malvin
