Zimbabwe heads into the World Cup coming off a 2006 season in which it scored a mere 8 wins from 29 ODI matches. Of those 8 wins, only 3 were against full ICC member countries. Given the political turmoil that has beset the country and its cricket, expectations are low for this World Cup. Failed attempts to lure former international cricketers back into the side means that Zimbabwe will enter the tournament with a vastly inexperienced team.
Batting
The fortunes of the Zimbabwean batting will rely heavily on wicket keeper Brendan Taylor and openers Terry Duffin and Vusi Sibanda. At 21, 24 and 23 respectively, these three are potentially the nucleus of the side's batting for years to come. After Tatenda Taibu's exit from the senior side, Taylor assumed keeping duties and has done a capable job with the bat as well. Sibanda has the distinction of having a ODI century to his name, and the team will look to him to perform at that high level if Zimbabwe is to create an upset in the tournament. Friday Kasteni is an attacking 18 year old talent that, if given the chance, could use the World Cup stage to annouce his arrival.
Bowling
Captain Prosper Utseya has proven that his spin bowling can be economical especially in the late overs of an innings. The bowling department is Zimbabwe's major weakness as evidenced by South Africa's demolition of its attack while scoring 418/5 in the recently concluded 3 match series. Christopher Mpofu and Anthony Ireland should open the bowling, while Edward Rainsford is the only Zimbabwean with any true pace. The rest of the attack will consist of bits and pieces bowlers whose main responsibility will be to stem the flow of runs in the middle overs.
Squad
Prosper Utseya(capt), Gary Brent, Chamu Chibhabha, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Terry Duffin, Sean Williams, Brendan Taylor(wk), Vusi Sibanda, Christopher Mpofu, Edward Rainsford, Anthony Ireland, Tawanda Mupariwa, Friday Kasteni, Keith Dabengwa, Elon Chigumbura.
Coach: Zimbabwe is coached by former Zimbabwe player Kevin Curran.
Previous World Cups: 7
World Cup Record: 8 Wins 31 Losses 3 No Results
Best World Cup Finish: 1999, 2003 - Super Sixes
Outlook:
Zimbabwe face very narrow odds of a third consecutive trip past the first round. Grouped with Pakistan, West Indies and Ireland, they would likely need two victories to advance. Defeating Ireland is not a far-fetched notion, but upsetting the home side or Pakistan appears to be outside the realm of possibilities. At best, this World Cup should serve as an opportunity for the young team to gain some more experience ahead of an anticipated return to Test Cricket.
Group Matches (Group D)
Thu March 15 - Ireland
Mon March 19 - West Indies
Wed March 21 - Pakistan
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