2007 Cricket World Cup Squad Preview - Zimbabwe

by user Alex Holowczak

The final country I have to preview is arguably the most controversial. In 2003, many teams boycotted their games against Zimbabwe due to safety fears. As such, many of Zimbabwe’s leading stars vowed never to play for their country again, and even fled it in disgust. Four years on, and the team has become an International laughing stock, removed from its’ Test status, and the whipping boys of International cricket.

Their group will certainly not help them. With Ireland, Pakistan and the West Indies in their group, it is likely that they could not win a game. The game with Ireland will show them exactly how much they have declined should they lose it. The Pakistan and West Indies games are almost certain losses, so weak are the players that remain.

Prosper Utseya

Type: Bowler, Captain
Surprisingly elected as Zimbabwean captain, Utseya really is a spinner with some promise. He has failed to deliver so far in his international career though.

Gary Brent

Type: Bowler
Brent was in contention for selection before the top players walked out, but now he is their most dependable bowler. Bowls medium pacers that could be vulnerable in the Caribbean.

Chamu Chibhabha

Type: All Rounder
Another promising youngster, Chibhabha is a developing player, that has been a good batsman. His bowling has let him down on the International scene however.

Elton Chigumbura

Type: All Rounder
He is a quality all rounder in the Zimbabwean domestic circuit, but he is unfortunately lacklustre with the ball at International level. His batting is still decent though.

Keith Dabengwa

Type: All Rounder
Another useful all rounder, Dabengwa is a player that can bowl useful spinners as well as quick runs at the end of an innings.

Terry Duffin

Type: Batsman (opener)
Duffin is Zimbabwe’s regular opener, but he has struggled against the stronger nations.

Anthony Ireland

Type: Bowler
Ireland is one of Zimbabwe’s top bowlers. He bowls only medium pacers, which may sit up on the hard West Indian pitches.

Friday Kasteni

Type: Batsman, Wicketkeeper
A wicketkeeper of genuine international promise, at 19 he could be a star of the future for Zimbabwe.

Stuart Matsikeneyri

Type: Batsman (opener)
Matsikenyeri is a former rebel that returned with the pull of the World Cup. He is an opening batsman that has not shone yet in his career.

Christopher Mpofu

Type: Bowler
One of Zimbabwe’s better bowlers, Mpofu has been a rare source of encourage for the Zimbabwean team.

Tawanda Mupariwa

Type: Bowler A revelation in One Day cricket against ICC nations, Mupariwa will be challenged to extend his play to the World Cup matches against top opposition.

Ed Rainsford

Type: Bowler
Rainsford is a useful seamer that may be found out in the Caribbean.

Vusi Sibanda

Type: Batsman
A batsman of promise, Sibanda has been useful if not inspired so far in his career. May bowl a few overs too.

Brendan Taylor

Type: All Rounder, Wicketkeeper
Likely to get in the side for one skill or another, Taylor is likely to be used as an all rounder to make way for Kasteni to keep wicket.

Sean Williams

Type: Batsman
Williams is Zimbabwe’s brightest prospect. A decent batsman, he is also developing into a decent spin bowler.

Strengths

• Williams is a good batsman
• Decent bowlers

Weaknesses

• They could have so many more great players
• No depth to their batting
• Too many bowlers in their squad

Verdict

Zimbabwe are gradually starting to get the stars back again. But they are still a long way short of the mark. They are favourites against Ireland, but not by much. They will pose no threat to the Test sides in their group. Their batting is woefully lacking in any sort of depth. Third in the group will be an achievement.