The Zimbabwe national cricket team, also called the Chevrons, plays men’s international cricket for Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe Cricket is in charge of the team (formerly known as the Zimbabwe Cricket Union). The International Cricket Council (ICC) has had Zimbabwe as a Full Member since 1992. As of March 2022, the ICC ranks Zimbabwe tenth in Tests, thirteenth in One Day Internationals (ODIs), and eleventh in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
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History:
Status before the test
Zimbabwe’s first time at the World Cup was in 1983. They played six games and lost five of them. But they did something unexpected against Australia. Zimbabwe batted first and scored a total of 239 for 6 in 60 overs. Their captain, Duncan Fletcher, had the highest score of 69 not out. Fletcher then had the best game of his career by taking 4 wickets and keeping Australia at 226 for 7. This was a shocking upset in the history of cricket. Zimbabwe lost all six of their group-stage games at the 1987 World Cup, though they were very close to beating New Zealand. David Houghton scored 142 runs as Zimbabwe tried to win with 243 runs in 50 overs, but they were all out for 239 runs in the last over and lost by three runs.
Zimbabwe didn’t make it past the round-robin stage of the tournament in 1992. They lost seven of their eight games, but there were two big wins. In their first game, against Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe scored 312 for 4, which was their highest score up to that point. Andy Flower, the wicketkeeper who also bats, scored 115 runs and was not out. But the Sri Lankans beat this score with four balls left, which gave them a win by three wickets.
Zimbabwe’s last game was against England, but it didn’t matter because England had already made it to the semi-finals. When Zimbabwe batted first, they were all out for 134. Then, Eddo Brandes had an amazing spell of 4 for 21, including getting rid of Graham Gooch with the first ball, which helped limit England to 125 all out and give Zimbabwe a shocking win by nine runs. Zimbabwe’s only international games during this time were these twenty World Cup games.
Early years of Test status, 1992–1996
The ICC gave Zimbabwe Test status in July 1992, and the country played its first Test match against India at Harare Sports Club in October of that year. They were the ninth country to take the Test. Zimbabwe’s early Test performances were consistently bad, which made some people think they should not have been allowed to play Tests yet. Only one of their first 30 Test matches, against Pakistan at home in early 1995, went in their favor.
In the one-day format, however, the team quickly became competitive, even if they weren’t very good. Their fielding skills earned them a lot of respect around the world.
Golden years from 1997 to 2002
Andy Flower was the world’s best batsman despite his team’s struggles. Zimbabwe provided Flower’s brother Grant, all-rounders Andy Blignaut and Heath Streak, and (who was later appointed national captain). Murray Goodwin, a former international batsman, has scored substantially for Sussex. David Houghton, a Zimbabwean batsman, scored 266 against Sri Lanka in 1994/95. Zimbabwe’s world-class players included former captain and middle-order batsman Alistair Campbell, leg-spinning all-rounder Paul Strang, Eddo Brandes, and pace bowler/opener Neil Johnson. In the late 1990s, Zimbabwe started winning Tests against other nations, including a series against Pakistan, because to these excellent players. The national team’s performance suffered as Zimbabwe’s political circumstances deteriorated.
Zimbabwe finished sixth in the 1999 Cricket World Cup Super-Sixes, missing out on a semi-final spot owing to a lower net run-rate than New Zealand. Zim defeated India by three runs in the group stage before facing South Africa, the world’s greatest team. Zimbabwe batted first, with Neil Johnson scoring 76. South Africa crumbled to 40 for 6, but Lance Klusener and Shaun Pollock hit half-centuries to cut the deficit to 48 runs. Zimbabwe’s most memorable win and South Africa’s first loss. Neil Johnson won Man of the Match with three wickets. Johnson quit Zimbabwe after this event. Zimbabwe won all ODI series except Australia during this time. Zimbabwe defeated New Zealand in 2000–2001. The team reached numerous multi-national one-day competition finals.
2003–2004: Decline indicators:
Zimbabwe’s decline and cricket’s politicization, particularly electoral policy, hampered the 2003 Cricket World Cup, held by Zimbabwe, Kenya, and South Africa. England forfeited a match in Zimbabwe due to “security concerns,” endangering their progress. Andy Flower and Henry Olonga wore black armbands to “mourn the demise of democracy” in Zimbabwe. Both were fired and sought sanctuary abroad. This public political protest embarrassed the co-hosts and interrupted teamwork. After several Zimbabwe’s best players retired after the 2003 World Cup, a new team emerged with Travis Friend, Andy Blignaut, Hamilton Masakadza, Douglas Hondo, Craig Wishart, Ray Price, Sean Ervine, Mark Vermeulen, Tatenda Taibu, Elton Chigumbura, Prosper Utseya, Dougie Marillier, and Barney Rogers. This new generation of largely multi-disciplined athletes provided a sturdy backbone to a competitive, if typically, unsuccessful, team.
Zimbabwe toured Australia in 2003. The first Test. In which Australian opener Matthew Hayden overcame a back strain to smash a then-record 380 runs, was more noteworthy than Zimbabwe’s effort. Zimbabwe lost its 2004 opener to Bangladesh.
2005–2009: Decline, political deterioration, and player exodus
In late 2005, the Zimbabwean cricket board voluntarily suspended the team from Test cricket after many key players resigned. Operation Murambatsvina interrupted the Zimbabwean team after Heath Streak was restored in early 2005. The players bought necessities instead of keepsakes. After a 2005 deal, several Zimbabwean rebels returned. Zimbabwe lost both Tests against South Africa in March. New Zealand defeated them at home in August. Zimbabwe was humiliated, becoming the second Test side (after India in 1952) to be bowled out twice in one day. They lost both September home Tests to India. Streak’s retirement demoralized the team.
Zimbabwe Cricket again interfered in game management and contract negotiations, forcing the new captain, Tatenda Taibu, to resign in November 2005. Dougie Marillier, Craig Wishart. And Sean Ervine had retired in protest and dissatisfied with the local cricket authority, hurting the team. Zimbabwe Cricket had not renegotiated contracts with 37 Zimbabwean cricketers by January 2006. This group of players wanted Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Peter Chingoka and managing director Ozias Bvute ousted to return to the international stage.
On January 6, 2006, the Zimbabwean Sports and Recreation Commission took control Zimbabwe Cricket. Gibson Mashingaidze, an army brigadier and chairman of the government’s Sports and Recreation Commission, sacked all white and Asian board directors for “their racist connotations and saving their own interests and not national strategy” after the apparent takeover. Peter Chingoka’s interim board led Zimbabwe’s cricket. Chingoka’s closeness made Bvute stay.
Zimbabwe Cricket ceased Test cricket on 18 January 2006. Zimbabwe’s coach Kevin Curran hoped to play their next Test against the West Indies in November 2007. [26] Zimbabwe wasn’t good enough for Tests, and playing Full Member nations would likely be one-sided. Bangladesh, Test cricket’s “whipping lads,” defeated Zimbabwe in their first match. Zimbabwe defeated Bangladesh 8 August 2011 in Harare.
2014–2021: Ranking drop, loss to associates, and missed 2019 World Cup
Zimbabwe exited the 2014 World Twenty20 in Bangladesh at the group stage. A last-ball setback to Ireland was followed by triumphs over the Netherlands (again off the last ball) and the United Arab Emirates, although the Netherlands advanced to the Super 10 round on net run-rate after a stunning win over Ireland. Zimbabwe hosted Afghanistan for four ODIs in July 2014. After winning the first two matches, the Afghans won the last two to level the series. Zimbabwe lost a Test and three ODI series to South Africa the following month.
Australia played Zimbabwe in a triangular ODI series after the South African tour. Zimbabwe won the fourth match of the series after losing the first two against Australia and South Africa. Zim babwe has not defeated Australia since the 1983 World Cup in England. Zimbabwe lost their final match and exited the tournament despite this win. The team Zimbabwe played Bangladesh in late 2014. Eight losses. Coach Stephen Mangongo was fired. Dav Whatmore replaced Mangongo as Zimbabwe Cricket coach in late December 2014.
Zimbabwe prepared for 2015 Cricket World Cup by winning all games against Northern Districts XI. before playing New Zealand. New Zealand fell to 157/7 before rain. Zimbabwe defeated Sri Lanka by seven wickets the following game. Zim babwe beat the UAE before losing to West Indies after losing to South Africa. Zimbabwe lost a close match to Pakistan. John Mooney caught Sean Williams in a close race during Ireland’s Pool B match against Zimbabwe. Mooney was quite close to the boundary, and eight television replays proved inconclusive.
Brendan Taylor retired from Zimbabwe cricket during the tournament after scoring 433 runs and two centuries. Taylor led the competition in runs. Zimbabwe toured Pakistan in May 2015. Zimbabwe lost the T20I and ODI series 0–2. Zim hosted India in July, losing the ODI series 0–3 and the T20I series 1–1, including Zimbabwe’s first T20I triumph in Harare.
2022–present: 2022 World Cup qualifying win, first Australian win, T20 World Cup
US and Zimbabwe won their first two matches in Group A to advance to the semi-finals. The Netherlands and Zimbabwe qualified for the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the final. Hosts Zimbabwe won the tournament by 37 runs over Netherlands in the final. Bangladesh played three ODIs and three T20Is in Zimbabwe in July and August 2022. Zimbabwe won the first T20I by 17 runs. The team’s best T20I win streak was six. Zimbabwe won their first T20I series against Bangladesh and defeated them 2-1 in ODIs after winning the third T20I by 10 runs. Ryan Burl’s 34 runs in an over against Nasum Ahmed broke shakib al hasan’s 2019 record of 30 runs per over. Sikandar Raza was player of the series in both series.
The 3rd ODI was a good fightback against India, who swept the series 3-0. Zimbabwe lost the matches 2-0, but surprised Australia by winning the 3rd final ODI. Ryan Burl’s 5/10 was Zimbabwe’s best bowling against Australia in ODIs. 2-1. Zimbabwe’s performance impressed coach Dave Houghton.
Current squad:
| Name | Age | Batting style | Bowling style | Domestic team | Format | S/N | Captaincy |
| Batsmen | |||||||
| Milton Shumba | 22 | Left-handed | SLA | Matabeleland Tuskers | Test, T20I | 3 | |
| Tarisai Musakanda | 28 | Right-handed | RM | Mid-West Rhinos | Test | 31 | |
| Kevin Kasuza | 29 | Right-handed | OB | Mountaineers | Test | 64 | |
| Craig Ervine | 37 | Left-handed | OB | Matabeleland Tuskers | Test, ODI, T20I | 77 | ODI and T20I Captain |
| Prince Masvaure | 34 | Left-handed | LFM | Mid-West Rhinos | Test | 56 | |
| Dion Myers | 20 | Right-handed | RM | Mountaineers | Test, ODI | 8 | |
| Takudzwanashe Kaitano | 29 | Right-handed | OB | Mid-West Rhinos | Test, ODI | 83 | |
| Tadiwanashe Marumani | 20 | Left-handed | OB | Southern Rocks | ODI | 49 | |
| Innocent Kaia | 30 | Right-handed | LB | Southern Rocks | ODI, T20I | 9 | |
| Tony Munyonga | 23 | Right-handed | OB | Mountaineers | T20I | 32 | |
| All-rounders | |||||||
| Wesley Madhevere | 22 | Right-handed | OB | Mashonaland Eagles | ODI, T20I | 17 | |
| Sikandar Raza | 36 | Right-handed | OB | Southern Rocks | ODI, T20I | 24 | |
| Ryan Burl | 28 | Left-handed | LB | Mid-West Rhinos | Test, ODI, T20I | 54 | |
| Sean Williams | 36 | Left-handed | SLA | Matabeleland Tuskers | Test, ODI, T20I | 14 | Test Captain |
| Roy Kaia | 31 | Right-handed | OB | Southern Rocks | Test | 90 | |
| Timycen Maruma | 34 | Right-handed | LB | Mountaineers | Test | 18 | |
| Wicket-keepers | |||||||
| Regis Chakabva | 35 | Right-handed | – | Mashonaland Eagles | Test, ODI, T20I | 5 | Test, ODI and T20I Vice-Captain |
| Clive Madande | 22 | Right-handed | – | Matabeleland Tuskers | ODI | 42 | |
| Joylord Gumbie | 26 | Right-handed | – | Matabeleland Tuskers | Test | ||
| Bowlers | |||||||
| Wellington Masakadza | 29 | Left-handed | SLA | Mountaineers | Test, T20I | 11 | |
| Tendai Chisoro | 34 | Left-handed | SLA | Southern Rocks | Test | 2 | |
| Ainsley Ndlovu | 26 | Right-handed | SLA | Matabeleland Tuskers | ODI | 26 | |
| Blessing Muzarabani | 26 | Right-handed | RFM | Southern Rocks | Test, ODI, T20I | 40 | |
| Donald Tiripano | 34 | Right-handed | RFM | Mountaineers | Test, ODI | 25 | |
| Richard Ngarava | 24 | Left-handed | LFM | Mashonaland Eagles | Test, ODI, T20I | 39 | |
| Luke Jongwe | 27 | Right-handed | RFM | Matabeleland Tuskers | Test, ODI, T20I | 75 | |
| Tendai Chatara | 31 | Right-handed | RF | Mountaineers | Test, ODI, T20I | 13 | |
| Victor Nyauchi | 30 | Right-handed | RFM | Mountaineers | Test, ODI, T20I | 61 | |
| Tanaka Chivanga | 29 | Right-handed | RF | Mashonaland Eagles | ODI, T20I | 27 | |
| Brad Evans | 25 | Right-handed | RF | Mashonaland Eagles | ODI, T20I | 80 |
Coaching personnel:
| Position | Name |
| Director of cricket | Hamilton Masakadza |
| Technical director | Lalchand Rajput |
| Team manager | Dilip Chouhan |
| Head coach | Dave Houghton |
| Batting Coach | Lance Klusener |
| Assistant coach | Stuart Matsikenyeri |
| Bowling coach | Steven Kirby |
| Fielding coach | Shepherd Makunura |
| Physiotherapist | Travor Wambe |
| Analyst | Mufaro Chiturumani |
| Media manager | Darlington Majonga |
| Logistics manager | Lovemore Banda |
| Team doctor | Dr Solomon Madzogo |
Jersey Color:
Zimbabwe’s cricket whites for Test matches have the Zimbabwe Bird emblem on the left chest and a sponsor logo on the right. The fielders all wear dark green caps or white sunhats emblazoned with the Zimbabwe Bird logo. Batsmen all sport similarly hued helmets.
Zimbabwe’s ODI and T20 uniforms are predominantly red with yellow, green, or black embellishments. When playing in the field, outfielders don red baseball caps or sun hats. The batman’s helmet has a dark green color. Zimbabwe’s uniform for ICC matches features the company’s emblem on the left sleeve and the word “ZIMBABWE” across the chest.
Test matches:
Test results against other countries
| Opponent | Matches | Won | Lost | Draw | Tied | % Won | First | Last |
| Afghanistan | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 | 2021 | 2021 |
| Australia | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 1999 | 2003 |
| Bangladesh | 18 | 7 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 38.88 | 2001 | 2021 |
| England | 6 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0.00 | 1996 | 2003 |
| India | 11 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 18.18 | 1992 | 2005 |
| New Zealand | 17 | 0 | 11 | 6 | 0 | 0.00 | 1992 | 2016 |
| Pakistan | 19 | 3 | 12 | 4 | 0 | 15.78 | 1993 | 2021 |
| South Africa | 9 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0.00 | 1995 | 2017 |
| Sri Lanka | 20 | 0 | 14 | 6 | 0 | 0.00 | 1994 | 2020 |
| West Indies | 10 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0.00 | 2000 | 2017 |
| Total | 115 | 13 | 74 | 28 | 0 | 11.30 | 1992 | 2021 |
One-Day Internationals:
ODI record against other countries
| Opponent | Matches | Won | Lost | Tied | No Result | % Won | First | Last |
| Full Members | ||||||||
| Afghanistan | 28 | 10 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 35.71 | 2014 | 2022 |
| Australia | 33 | 3 | 29 | 0 | 1 | 9.37 | 1983 | 2022 |
| Bangladesh | 81 | 30 | 51 | 0 | 0 | 37.03 | 1997 | 2022 |
| England | 30 | 8 | 21 | 0 | 1 | 27.58 | 1992 | 2004 |
| India | 66 | 10 | 54 | 2 | 0 | 16.66 | 1983 | 2022 |
| Ireland | 16 | 7 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 50.00 | 2007 | 2021 |
| New Zealand | 38 | 9 | 27 | 1 | 1 | 25.67 | 1987 | 2015 |
| Pakistan | 62 | 4 | 54 | 2 | 2 | 8.33 | 1992 | 2020 |
| South Africa | 41 | 2 | 38 | 0 | 1 | 5.00 | 1992 | 2018 |
| Sri Lanka | 60 | 12 | 46 | 0 | 2 | 12.31 | 1992 | 2022 |
| West Indies | 48 | 10 | 36 | 1 | 1 | 22.34 | 1983 | 2018 |
Twenty20 Internationals:
T20I record vs other countries
| Opponent | Matches | Won | Lost | Tied | No Result | % Won | First | Last |
| Full Members | ||||||||
| Afghanistan | 15 | 1 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 6.66 | 2015 | 2022 |
| Australia | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 33.33 | 2007 | 2018 |
| Bangladesh | 20 | 7 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 35.00 | 2006 | 2022 |
| England | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 2007 | 2007 |
| India | 8 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 25.00 | 2010 | 2016 |
| Ireland | 9 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 44.44 | 2014 | 2022 |
| New Zealand | 6 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 2010 | 2015 |
| Pakistan | 18 | 2 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 11.11 | 2008 | 2022 |
| South Africa | 6 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0.00 | 2010 | 2022 |
| Sri Lanka | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 2008 | 2012 |
| West Indies | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 25.00 | 2010 | 2022 |