Toothless attack, unbeatable generosity, ultimate worst

BY TREVOR MAKONYONGA

HARARE - Zimbabwe is indeed some futile heaven for any serious cricketing nation that plays against them. They become an actual heaven when they host other nations; very generous and toothless in both batting and bowling.

In this regard, South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder is the latest demon to haunt the Zimbabwean generous attack.

Is Mulder a wow batsman? The answer is, not so much (This is no disrespect to Mulder in any shape or form.)

Before the second Test match in Bulawayo that commenced on 7 July, Wiaan Mulder had two centuries and a half in 33 innings off 20 matches. Let it be known that he debuted in 2019. Then he comes to Zimbabwe and had eyes set on Brian Lara’s record: what insolence? Ideally, being the respectful person he is, Mulder gave up on chasing Lara’s record because it wouldn’t have felt right breaking such an iconic record on such a mediocre team.

Mulder’s knock (367*) was so beautiful that he tip-toed Hashim Amla’s record (311*) as the highest scoring South African ever. In achieving this feat, he set another record becoming the only South African to score a double ton worth of boundaries, that is, 220 runs with 4 sixes and 49 fours.

Without tearing the Zimbabwe team, statistics show they were built to lose in any case; what was not prescribed was the magnitude of the loss. It is always a dreadful feeling to lose by runs, what of adding an innings to the mix? An innings and 236 runs to be precise!

Then comes the T20I Triangular series against South Africa and New Zealand! The Chevrons have been the punching bags as they have so far failed to beat either team and have showcased pathetic performances.

Maybe it is time to revisit the quota system and ensure that all players are selected according to performance. What is currently happening is that players who show glimpses of brilliance are rushed into the national team setup and they will fail to develop properly hence becoming below par athletes.

Players like Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande and Tony Munyonga could really develop to some serious players had the pool for selection been wider with properly developed players.

The situation currently where multiple players are handed debuts but are genuinely below par is really concerning. The nation was subjected to terrible batting in the T20I tri series against New Zealand and South Africa where Zimbabwe lost all the matches.

One can’t help but wonder if players like Tashinga Musekiwa, Tino Map

osa and Trevor Gwandu have actual roles in the national setup or they are there because they are someone’s favourite.

The pathetic thing is that Zimbabwe Cricket might actually not see a problem but there is definitely something that they are doing that is not right. The ladies are being dismantled in Ireland and the Under 19 Men’s team is being subjected to serious bullying by South Africa and Bangladesh on home soil.

It is time to reflect and solve the mess. The local cricket leagues have to be improved to be of world standard because as of now, Zimbabwe is at its worst.

What are the chances Zimbabwe can win a cricket match?

The odds of winning any cricket match are always against Zimbabwe. As of July 2025, Zimbabwe played 124 Tests, losing 78, winning 14 with 30 draws being recorded at a winning percentage of 11.20%.

Here are all the Test results that Zimbabwe has played. Zimbabwe played four matches against Afghanistan, won one and drew one; that’s a winning rate of 25%. Played three against Australia, won zero. Played seven versus England, lost 4 and drew 3. Played eleven against India, won two lost seven and drew 2; win rate of 18.18%. Played 2 against Ireland, lost 2. Played seventeen against New Zealand lost eleven and drew six

Played nineteen versus Pakistan, won three, lost twelve and drew four; a win rate15.78%. Played eleven versus South Africa, lost ten and drew one. Sri Lanka twenty, lost fourteen, drew six. West Indies, played twelve, lost eight drew four. A bit of success has been against Bangladesh where they played twenty matches, won eight, lost nine and drew three; a win rate 40%.

Some would say One-Day-International matches are better off but the failing is just the same. Zimbabwe has played 581 matches, won 154, lost 403, tied 8 and 16 matches failed to produce a result; 26.50 %.

What of the most entertaining format of the game? Zimbabwe has played 158 T20Is recording 53 wins and succumbing to 102 losses in the process with two tied matches and one no result. That is a winning rate of 34%.

There needs to be a realistic reflection to see whether there is forward movement or not. Check and balance what needs to be improved and move on. The current system is not working; period!

There is, also, need for a competitive league and proper developmental structures. Maybe play down on the politics and vindictiveness so as to help properly develop the sport. Til’ then let the fans be less expectant and be real in their supporting; maybe, Zimbabwe just doesn’t know how to win!