The team is back home after defeats by Sri Lanka and South Africa sent them packing from a tournament that attracted 12 of the world’s top cricket playing nations. Disturbingly, Zimbabwe could not even surpass the 100 run target in both matches, reaching 100 against Sri Lanka and slowing down to 93 against the Proteas.
In their game against Sri Lanka, the Flame Lilies lost by a massive 82 runs, and faltered by 10 wickets to neighbours South Africa. Even worse is the fact that in their warm up matches, Zimbabwe were humiliated by qualifiers Ireland and Bangladesh, some of the weakest cricket playing nations in the world.
“We disappointed ourselves and our supporters. We could have played better cricket than what we did,” said Captain Brendan Taylor.
One analyst, Levi Wakapira, believed age has caught up with most members players. He said there was need for fresh inspiration to make Zimbabwe a powerhouse again, and suggested the current Under-19 team should be transformed into the senior squad.
Cricket fan Sam Hamandawana believed that the likes of Hamilton Masakadza, Vusi Sibanda, Stuart Matsikenyari and Charles Coventry would not bring anything new to the squad.
“These players have had their time and failed. Now is the time for others to be given a chance. The old should follow Taibu (Tatenda) who felt it was time to leave,” said Hamandawana.
Another fan, Innocent Mupanduki, called for the whole team to be disbanded. “We need to get rid of the whole team and build a new squad altogether. Sport is changing and we should move with the times,” he said.
Post published in: Cricket