Ruthless West Indies crush Zimbabwe by nine wickets

By Tichaona Sibanda

9 October 2006

Last week Thursday, we predicted that the Zimbabwe cricket squad, who were the first side to arrive in India for the International Cricket Council Champions Trophy that began on Saturday, were likely to become the first team to fly back home from the tournament.

We were not far from the truth as evidenced by the side’s atrocious display against the defending champions the West Indies on Sunday in a deserted 54 000-seat stadium at Ahmedabad. Elvis Sembezeya, a cricket analyst based in Harare, said Zimbabwe’s performance was disappointing considering that ‘there are a few players in the squad who play far much better than they did.’

The young and inexperienced Zimbabwe team, captained by 21 year-old Prosper Utseya one of only three Zimbabweans to make double figures, were trounced by nine wickets after they were all sent packing for 85 in 30.1 overs. In reply the West Indies were off the block like lightning, Chris Gayle hitting a rapid 41 before he was finally snapped up at mid-wicket by Tafadzwa Kamungozi. Gayle had earlier been dropped twice.

This was the eighth time Zimbabwe has been dismissed for less than 100 in one-dayers, but captain Prosper Utseya’s knock of 27 helped it avoid the dubious distinction of recording the lowest score in the Champions Trophy. Electing to bat first after Utseya won the toss, our inexperienced batsmen faltered against the penetrative attack of Champions Trophy title holder West Indies, which has been forced to play in the qualifying competition because it is ranked outside the top six limited-overs nations.

We slumped to 10 for two as opening batsman Justice Chibhabha and Hamilton Masakadza returned to the pavilion after contributing just one run each. Chibhabha was bowled by an inswinging delivery from left-arm paceman Ian Bradshaw, while Masakadza missed fast bowler Jerome Taylor's straight delivery that dislodged his off-stump.

Tafadzwa Mufambisi contributed a composed 18 before he was the fifth man out, edging a rising ball from Taylor (2-19) to wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh. Mufambisi outlasted Brendan Taylor (7) and Stuart Matsikenyeri (7). Piet Rinke’s run out reduced Zimbabwe to 46 for six when Utseya came in to bat. Utseya witnessed the departure of Elton Chigumbura for 10, but utilized the support of the lower order. Utseya struck two boundaries in his 41-ball knock before becoming the last victim of left-arm spinner Gayle, who ran through the Zimbabwe tailenders to claim his three wickets in the space of 13 balls. In the other match on Saturday, Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by 37 runs the first match of the qualifying competition.