Without doubt, Zimbabwe have truly established themselves in cricket’s elite 9. However, some would argue that the sport only has an elite 8, and if this is the case Zimbabwe would be nowhere near it. Zimbabwe are a bit of an enigma. It would be in insult to categorise them with the likes of Bangladesh, Kenya etc, but it would be an insult to the top 8 sides if they were categorised with them. I would argue that Zimbabwe are in fact closer to the higher echelon as they regularly play these top 8 teams and have beaten them. They have some pretty decent players who if perform to the maximum of their ability, and do this as a unit, will trouble most ODI sides.
Players such as the Flower brothers, Carlisle, Whittall, Olonga and the very impressive Heath Streak are all experienced and useful players. But Zimbabwe will find it tough to get out of a group that includes 4 higher ranked teams (only 3 go through per group). Zimbabwe will hope that with all their group games in Harare or Bulawayo, they can spring an upset or two to emulate the effort of World Cup 1999 where they went through to the last 6 at the expense of England and Sri Lanka. However, at 150/1 to win the tournament, you are better off saving your couple of quid to buy a decent magazine.
· Since the year 2000, Zimbabwe have played 69 ODIs and won 19 of them, a 28% success rate
· In the same period, Zimbabwe have played 21 ODIs at home and won 5 of them, a 24% success rate
· Since 2000, Zimbabwe have a 100% success rate from 6 matches against Bangladesh (unfortunately not in Zimbabwe’s Pool A)
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