Needing just 210 runs in 50 overs, Zimbabwe did the unthinkable yesterday at Harare Sports Clubs as they romped to a well deserved three wicket victory over the number one ODI ranked Australia in a nail biting encounter.
The win by the Zimbabwe team was the first against the mighty Australians since 1983 and it came against all odds as few gave the boys a chance against the tourists. None of the Zimbabwe players were born the last time Zimbabwe had beaten Australia.
Skipper Elton Chigumbura played a marvel of a captains innings and was well supported by part time batsman Prosper Utseya to lead Zimbabwe to a three wicket win that came with 12 balls to spare.
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Australia were restricted to 209-9 – their lowest total ever against Zimbabwe – in their 50 overs but Zimbabwe were up for the challenge in what was a true David and Goliath case.
Zimbabwe needing four runs to win and with Utseya on the strikers end, Mitchell Starc’s delivery was sent over mid wicket for the hosts only second six in this game to spark wild celebrations for the Zimbabwe faithful.
The win by the Zimbabwe team was the first against the mighty Australians since 1983 and it came against all odds as few gave the boys a chance against the tourists. None of the Zimbabwe players were born the last time Zimbabwe had beaten Australia.
Skipper Elton Chigumbura played a marvel of a captains innings and was well supported by part time batsman Prosper Utseya to lead Zimbabwe to a three wicket win that came with 12 balls to spare.
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Australia were restricted to 209-9 – their lowest total ever against Zimbabwe – in their 50 overs but Zimbabwe were up for the challenge in what was a true David and Goliath case.
Zimbabwe needing four runs to win and with Utseya on the strikers end, Mitchell Starc’s delivery was sent over mid wicket for the hosts only second six in this game to spark wild celebrations for the Zimbabwe faithful.
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“I had to be there till the end. The most important thing was to stay calm. The guys worked very hard for this and the supporters were behind us throughout. Today we showed some improvement. We just have to keep working. Hopefully we will have another good game on Thursday,” said Chigumbura.
The Zimbabwean government was the first to congratulate the victorious team.
“This is indeed a huge achievement by our cricket team. I want to send my hearty congratulations to them and indeed the entire country for this feat. They did us proud as a nation. I am aware that they have not beaten the Aussies for a quiet a while but that is all history now,” said Zimbabwe’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Andrew Langa.
Afghanistan’s right handed batsman Mohammed Shahzad took to Twitter saying that Zimbabwe played some fantastic cricket and his sentiments were also echoed by legendary South African cricketer AB De Villiers.
“Our neighbours playing a good game of cricket today. Well done Elton, Brendan Taylor and co,” tweeted De Villiers.
“Well played Zimbabwe,” tweeted Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya.
“Great win for Zimbabwe. Harare Sports Club will be buzzing tonight,” said veteran cricket commentator and analyst, Alan Butcher.
The Zimbabwean government was the first to congratulate the victorious team.
“This is indeed a huge achievement by our cricket team. I want to send my hearty congratulations to them and indeed the entire country for this feat. They did us proud as a nation. I am aware that they have not beaten the Aussies for a quiet a while but that is all history now,” said Zimbabwe’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Andrew Langa.
Afghanistan’s right handed batsman Mohammed Shahzad took to Twitter saying that Zimbabwe played some fantastic cricket and his sentiments were also echoed by legendary South African cricketer AB De Villiers.
“Our neighbours playing a good game of cricket today. Well done Elton, Brendan Taylor and co,” tweeted De Villiers.
“Well played Zimbabwe,” tweeted Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya.
“Great win for Zimbabwe. Harare Sports Club will be buzzing tonight,” said veteran cricket commentator and analyst, Alan Butcher.
By: Farai Diza
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