For every cricket lover, it is heartbreaking to see the current state of cricket in Zimbabwe. After the 2003 Cricket World Cup, the African nation faced worldwide humiliation and beatings. In addition to an inspiring personal interpretation, as a team, they had nothing else to show. But for those who have been following cricket for a while, they were an exciting group of talent before 2003. Here, we look at the ten greatest cricketers to have represented Zimbabwe since they first took part in the 1983 World Cup.
1. Andy Flower
By far, Andy Flower is the best cricketer to represent Zimbabwe. He is the best wicketkeeper in this modern world and the true superstar cricket player ever to play for his country. Flower gained his reputation as the only batsman in the nation who could score runs against any bowling attack in the world. Andy is Zimbabwe’s all-time leading run-scorer with 11,580 runs, including 16 international hundreds. He has made more than 300 wicket-keeping appearances.
2. Grant Flower
Grant Flower is the greatest cricketer ever to represent Zimbabwe, along with his big brother, Andy Flower. Grant began his career as an opener but quickly rose to become one of the world’s most dependable middle-order batsmen, frequently forming enduring partnerships with his brother. His fluid stroke play, particularly on the offside, was one of the most beautiful things to see. He had more than 150 wickets and was the second Zimbabwean cricketer to pass 10,000 runs at an international level.
3. Heath Streak
Heath Streak popularly known as a bowler with a lion’s heart for consistently displaying exceptional strength and endurance, even at the end of a long day of play. Streak made his international debut at the young age of 21, and he quickly established himself as one of the quickest bowlers in the world. Streak, a true all-rounder, amassed more than 200 international wickets in tests and ODIs and scored more than 5,000 runs in international play. With 455 wickets by the end of his career.
4. Alistair Campbell
Alistair Campbell, who made his World Cup debut in 1992 at the age of 19, appeared out of place. But he returned to the nets and came back as one of the world’s most graceful left-handers. He continued to be a team stalwart for the following ten years. He was an aggressive opener who constantly attempted to control the bowling in ODIs. In the 50-over format, he became one of the top players in the world of cricket. When Zimbabwe’s cricket team won their first away series against Pakistan from 1998 to 1999, he was their captain. He has nine hundred credits and almost 8,000 runs scored at the international level.
5. Tatenda Taibu
Few cricket players announce their retirement at the age of 29, and even fewer leave the international stage twice. Tatenda Taibu, however, was anything but typical. Before ever taking the field in a first-class match, he had to step into the shoes of the legendary Andy Flower, one of the best cricketers to ever represent Zimbabwe. When renowned players quit the team due to political unrest and racial profiling of the players, Taibu, then 21 years old, was forced to captain a schoolboy-like squad. Taibu made 5,198 runs and over 200 wickets as a keeper during a career ruined by politics.
6. Brendan Taylor
Few stars have emerged in Zimbabwean cricket since it hit its low point following the 2003 World Cup. For many years, Brendan Taylor was among the most motivating figures to come out of Zimbabwe. He was a natural batsman who amassed more than 7,000 runs while playing for a team that frequently lost innings and was bowled out in under 50 overs. He had scored the most international goals by a Zimbabwean batsman in the last 10 years, with 12 during this time.
7. Neil Johnson
Although Neil Johnson’s time in the Zimbabwean team’s dressing room was brief, he is still regarded as one of the best all-around players to have ever represented it. He was a naturally talented stroke maker who, when singing, could repel any assault. His three World Cup 1999 man-of-the-match performances helped Zimbabwe advance to the Super Six stage. Johnson played in 48 ODIs, during which he amassed 1,679 runs, wickets, and four hundreds.
8. David Houghton
One of the first big names in Zimbabwean cricket, David Houghton, kept the team in check during their early years competing internationally. He had his first test against India and also won the nation’s first test century. His test batting average of 43.05, even though he scored slightly less than 3,000 runs at the international level, is probably the best indication of his talent as a batsman.
9. Duncan Fletcher
It would include a few players who only played in six ODIs on such a list. However, there can be no question about Duncan Fletcher’s standing as one of Zimbabwe’s greatest cricketers in history when we discuss him. For the record, he was Zimbabwe’s first ODI captain and served as the tournament’s undisputed captain in 1983, thanks to his unbeaten 69 and 4 for 42. The young team’s victory over Australia represented one of the greatest upsets in ODI history.
10. Henry Olonga
Olonga was the first black cricket player to represent Zimbabwe, and he encouraged many people to take up the sport. Olonga’s career came to an abrupt end when he and Andy Flower donned black armbands during the 2003 World Cup to protest the “death of democracy” in his nation. They praised him internationally for his bravery, but it took one of cricket’s most exciting players off the international stage.
