Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe faces a tough test if it wishes to improve on its results at recent ICC events. It will have to overcome the might of both Australia and England in order to progress into the second stage of the competition.

And it will be looking to take inspiration from famous Zimbabwe performances in previous CWC events such as the Duncan Fletcher-inspired defeat of Australia in the CWC 1983, and its famous win over England at the CWC 1992.

A disappointing CWC 2007 campaign saw Zimbabwe lose to West Indies and Pakistan and take part in only the third CWC tie in history, against Ireland.

Stuart Matsikinyeri was Zimbabwe’s leading run-scorer in the CWC 2007, with 107 runs, including 73* against Ireland, and his side will rely on him, as well as promising batsman Vusi Sibanda, for runs.

Sean Williams, who scored 70* against host country the West Indies, also showed promise at international level in the CWC 2007, having graduated from captaining his side at Under 19 level just last year.

Elton Chigumbura and Gary Brent were their side’s leading wicket-takers at the CWC 2007, with both players taking three wickets when Zimbabwe was defeated by Pakistan, and they will be key performers.

Zimbabwe’s only experience of international Twenty20 cricket was when it played against Bangladesh last year at the Khulna Divisional Stadium and was defeated by 43 runs. Bangladesh recorded 166 all out, with Prosper Utseya taking 3-25, before Zimbabwe struggled to reach 123-9.

Zimbabwe also suffered a heavy defeat to provincial side, the Eagles, at Kimberley as part of its South African tour last year, being bowled out for just 103 before the home side reached its target off just 11.4 overs.

Zimbabwe: Prosper Utseya (captain), Gary Brent, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Elton Chigumbura, Keith Dabengwa, Tymsen Maruma, Hamilton Masakadza, Stuart Matsikinyeri, Johnson Marumisa, Christopher Mpofu, Tawanda Mupariwa, Vusimusi Sibanda, Tatenda Taibu, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams