Zimbabwe have won a dramatic final-over, one-wicket win in the third and final one-day international against New Zealand in Bulawayo.

Zimbabwe’s two big-hitting all-rounders, Elton Chigumbura and Malcolm Waller, finally came good, with a 112-run sixth-wicket partnership to end a 12-match losing streak across formats. Malcolm Waller, who finished on 99 not out, hit a single off the penultimate ball as Zimbabwe chased down a New Zealand’s 5 for 328 which included centuries by Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson.

Record Win:
Not only was it thrilling, but this is now Zimbabwe’s highest successful run chase and ended a sequence of seven successive defeats for the home side.

New Zealand Innings
Earlier on in the day the Black Caps won the toss and decided to bat. They initially got off to a poor start and loosing a few early wickets, but New Zealand captain Taylor (119) and Williamson (100 not out) shared a fifth wicket stand of 195 off only 133 balls.

It turned what seemed likely to be a respectable total into an imposing one, doubling the total by adding 164 runs in the final 15 overs, with the rampage starting in the batting powerplay taken after 35 overs.

Zimbabwe’s Innings
Zimbabwe fought back with captain Brendan Taylor, who had already scored centuries in the first two matches, cracking 75 off 65 balls as he and Hamilton Masakadza (36) put on 100 for the second wicket.

Tatenda Taibu also batted well, scoring an aggressive 53 but it was the swashbuckling sixth wicket stand of 112 off 85 balls between Waller and Elton Chigumbura that really put victory within reach for Zimbabwe.

Waller and Chigumbura got the target down to 34 off 36 balls when Chigumbura was bowled by Jacob Oram.

In a nervy finish, three more wickets fell and with four needed off the last over, Waller was dropped twice by Ross Taylor at midwicket.

Two runs were scored off the first miss and one off the second.

Then Ray Price skied a catch and was caught with the scores tied but the batsmen crossed and Waller had the strike and clinched the match.

The New Zealand captain took the blame for dropping Waller by saying “When you drop catches you lose matches,” and he went on to say that “Brendan Taylor and Waller batted very well”.

Zimbabwe Cricket Books

Amazon, have a bunch of Zim related cricket books, including "Blood, Sweat And Treason" by Henry Olonga, “A History of the Rhodesia and Zimbabwe National Sides” by Jonty Winch who traces the history of cricket in this country (Zimbabwe) from the first recorded game played in 1890, through two World Wars and a guerilla war, to the comparative peace of post-independence and eventual world recognition in the 1980s when Zimbabwe was able to send a side to England to take part in the I.C.C. Trophy competition which it won.

There is also the Autobiography of another great Zimbabwean cricket coach Duncan Fletcher “Behind the Shades”

USA: Amazon.com

Zimbabwe Cricket on Amazon.com

At the moment Amazon UK don’t have as wide selection as the US site, but I have ordered books from the US and had them delivered to the UK with no problems.

UK: Amazon.co.uk
Zimbabwe Cricket on Amazon.co.uk

Zimbabwe won by 4 wickets (with 52 balls remaining) – 1st ODI: Zimbabwe v Bangladesh, in Harare

Brian Vitori and Vusi Sibanda starring for Zimbabwe, Vitori ran through Bangladesh with a four-wicket burst at the start, and Sibanda was all dancing feet and flashing blade against the left-arm spinners despite the early loss of Taylor. They could have so easily got bogged down, but he saw them through despite a stirring display of swing with the oldish ball from Rubel.

12th August 2011 – Hours of play (local time): 09.30 start (07:30 GMT / 08:30 BST) , First Session 09.30-13.00, Interval 13.00-13.45, Second Session 13.45-17.15

Latest:
Game Over: Zimbabwe won by 4 wickets (with 52 balls remaining)

Drinks: Zimbabwe - 107/1 in 21.0 overs (V Sibanda 53, H Masakadza 38)

Innings Break: Bangladesh - 184/10 in 48.4 overs (Suhrawadi Shuvo 20)
Drinks: Bangladesh - 119/5 in 34.0 overs (Shakib Al Hasan 41, Mushfiqur Rahim 37)
Drinks: Bangladesh - 39/4 in 15.0 overs (Shakib Al Hasan 0, Mahmudullah 4)
Zimbabwe won the toss and decided to bowl first

Brendan Taylor: "Our top order seem to have worked out a better gameplan during chasing. During the Test we saw that the ball did something in the first session."

Kyle Jarvis and Tino Mawoyo miss out from the Zimbabwe XI that played the Test. Prosper Utseya and Forster Mutizwa come in

Kepler Wessels says there is less grass on the surface compared to the pitch on which the Test was played. There is some early morning moisture but that should evaporate soon and bat first is the way to go, he says.

After the excellent victory on their Test return, Zimbabwe now take on Bangladesh in a One Day International (ODI) series - this is a format that is more familiar to both teams. Whilst the Test match was only settled on the final day, Zim were on top for most of the game, but they may not get it all their own way in the ODI's as these two fairly evenly-matched sides face off over five games to be played in Harare and Bulawayo.

Team News
Unlike in the test, Brendan Taylor will opening the batting along with Hamilton Masakadza. After his great performance in the only test against Bangladesh, Brian Vitori is in line for his first ODI cap. Prosper Utseya will also play adding another spinner to the team and Forster Mutizwa, who was rather unlucky to miss out on the Test match after his performance in the warm-up, is likely to slot into the middle order.

It's the batting department where Zimbabwe are likely to look a touch light, but a return to form with the willow by Elton Chigumbura would go some way to solving that. His bowling performance in the Test should give him confidence.

Waller seems the best equipped to fill the second all-rounder's berth which would give the hosts plenty of batting and bowling, but as an offspinner might not be suited to a pace-heavy game plan so may not be included. Keegan Meth could may also get the nod as he is a slightly better batsman than Kyle Jarvis, but expect that place to rotate (Mutizwa must also be in the running) and possibly be a thorn in Zimbabwe's side as they search for the right balance.

Zimbabwe Team: (probable):
1 Brendan Taylor (capt), 2 Hamilton Masakadza, 3 Vusi Sibanda, 4 Craig Ervine, 5 Tatenda Taibu (wk), 6 Forster Mutizwa, 7 Elton Chigumbura, 8 Prosper Utseya, 9 Ray Price, 10 Brian Vitori, 11 Chris Mpofu.

Bangladesh Team (probable):
1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Imrul Kayes, 3 Junaid Siddique, 4 Shahriar Nafees, 5 Mohammad Ashraful, 6 Shakib Al Hasan (capt), 7 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 8 Abdur Razzak, 9 Shafiul Islam, 10 Rubel Hossain, 11 Nasir Hossain

A few Stats

If history is anything to go by, things do not look too good for Zim:

Bangladesh have won the last three series between these two countries - two of them at home in Bangladesh and one in Bulawayo - and have therefore been installed as favourites with the bookmakers, but it remains to be seen how they react to losing a Test for which they were ill-prepared and ill-equipped. There is a belief in the Zimbabwean camp that the subcontinental side do not have much of an appetite for adversity and so the hosts will fancy their chances, no doubt hugely encouraged by Monday's result.

Last Five Head-To-Head Results

• December, 2010: Fifth ODI: Bangladesh won by six wickets
• December, 2010: Fourth ODI: Match abandoned
• December, 2010: Third ODI: Bangladesh won by 65 runs
• December, 2010: Second ODI: Bangladesh won by six wickets
• December, 2010: First ODI: Zimbabwe won by nine runs

• In one day cricket, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh have played against each other 51 times: Zim 23 wins, Bangladesh 28 wins
• In the last 5 years they have played against each other 31 times: Bangladesh 23 wins, Zimbabwe only 8 wins
• Shahriar Nafees's batting average against Zimbabwe is 62.41, almost double his overall average of 33.34. Three of his four hundreds came against them, including his highest score of 123.

Bangladesh's recent dominance over Zimbabwe may suggest that are firm favourites on the eve this series, but the tables have turned a little. Zimbabwe beat them in their comeback Test and will want to maintain their status with a convincing performance in the ODIs. Although Zim's most recent showing in the fifty-over format, at the 2011 World Cup, was disappointing. They registered just one win over minnows Kenya and their five defeats meant that any outside chance they had of making it to the quarter-finals quickly disappeared.

On a more positive note: Ray Price should enjoy the game as his highest score with the bat (46) was against Bangladesh in August 2009 as are his best bowling figures of 4 for 22 also against Bangladesh in January 2009.

Series Fixtures

• First ODI: 12 August, Harare
• Second ODI: 14 August, Harare
• Third ODI: 16 August, Harare
• Fourth ODI: 19 August, Bulawayo
• Fifth ODI: 21 August, Bulawayo

Zimbabwe Cricket Books

Amazon, have a bunch of Zim related cricket books, including "Blood, Sweat And Treason" by Henry Olonga, "A History of the Rhodesia and Zimbabwe National Sides" by Jonty Winch who traces the history of cricket in this country (Zimbabwe) from the first recorded game played in 1890, through two World Wars and a guerilla war, to the comparative peace of post-independence and eventual world recognition in the 1980s when Zimbabwe was able to send a side to England to take part in the I.C.C. Trophy competition which it won.

There is also the Autobiography of another great Zimbabwean cricket coach Duncan Fletcher "Behind the Shades"

USA: Amazon.com

Zimbabwe Cricket on Amazon.com

At the moment Amazon UK don't have as wide selection as the US site, but I have ordered books from the US and had them delivered to the UK with no problems.

UK: Amazon.co.uk
Zimbabwe Cricket on Amazon.co.uk

Where to Buy Blood, Sweat and Treason

Currently available in Hardcover it is available online through Amazon, in the UK and US

UK
Blood, Sweat and Treason on Amazon.co.uk

USA

Blood, Sweat and Treason on Amazon.com

Match finished: Zimbabwe won by 130 runs

Zimbabwe: 370 & 291/5d
Bangladesh: 287 & 244 (57.3 ov)

Zimbabwe have won the one-off Test against Bangladesh by 130 runs in Harare, concluding a successful return to the longer form of the international game.

Bangladesh lost their remaining two wickets for the addition of 16 runs after lunch to close their second innings on 244 chasing an improbable victory target of 375.

Opening the day on 112 for three, the tourists lost wickets steadily in the morning session and when three fell in successive overs the end was near.

Some defiant late hitting by Abdur Razzak only delayed the inevitable as Zimbabwe recorded a comfortable win on their return to Test cricket after their self-imposed exile.

Bangladesh lost Mohammad Ashraful, who had put together a partnership of 38 with Mushfiqur Rahim before he was bowled by Brian Vitori for 39 off an inside edge. When Bangladesh then lost Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim in successive overs the home side closed quickly on victory.

Mahmudullah was caught by Tatenda Taibu off the bowling of Chris Mpofu for 11 and when Shakib was caught by Brendan Taylor off Elton Chigumbura for six the visitors were reeling on 174 for six.

Mushfiqur also fell to Mpofu, this time caught by Craig Ervine, for 28 without further addition to the total. Razak and Shafiul Islam put on a defiant half-century for the eighth wicket before the former was bowled by Chigumbura to leave the total on 224 for eight and Zimbabwe on the verge of victory.

Razzak had smashed 43 of those runs off just 17 balls, including five fours and three sixes, before his dismissal meant Bangladesh’s last hope disappeared in the final over before lunch.

Kyle Jarvis returned after lunch to claim the wickets of Shafiul and Robiul Islam to leave Rubel Hossain unbeaten on eight from a total of 244. Jarvis returned figures of four for 61.

Previously
Day 4
End Of Day: Bangladesh – 112/3 in 30.0 overs (M Ashraful 19, M Rahim 4)
Tea: Zimbabwe – 291/5 in 92.0 overs (BRM Taylor 105, CR Ervine 35
BRM Taylor: 100 off 170 balls (9 x 4
Drinks: Zim – 233/5 in 81.0 overs (BRM Taylor 71, CR Ervine 14)

Day 4 News
Zimbabwe go into the final day of their Test against Bangladesh needing seven wickets for victory after the bowlers responded to Brendan Taylor’s bold declaration by reducing the tourists to 112 for three.

Taylor became the second Zimbabwean in history – and the seventh overall – to hit a maiden Test century in his first match as captain, as Zimbabwe declared their second innings on 291 for five at tea on day four.

That left Bangladesh needing 375 to win from 123 overs, a feat which looked quite possible when their openers put on a brisk 65-run stand at the top of the order.

But Chris Mpofu bowled the dangerous Tamim Iqbal (43) and Kyle Jarvis took two wickets to give Zimbabwe every chance of winning their first match back in Test cricket after a six-year absence, with Bangladesh requiring a further 263 runs on day five.

19 years after Zimbabwe’s first Test captain Dave Houghton hit a century on his country’s debut, Taylor added his name to a niche list by going to three figures shortly before tea, before setting a target which was likely to induce some attacking shots from the Bangladeshi batsmen.

Taylor was unbeaten on 105 and Craig Ervine 35 not out from 55 deliveries, with both batsmen cranking through the gears in the second session after Tatenda Taibu had fallen shortly after lunch, and Taylor taking just 53 balls to score his second fifty after needing 117 for his first.

Taibu went to lunch on 53 not out, but added just six to his total before chipping Shafiul Islam to extra cover as he looked to clear the infield.

Although Ervine took a few overs to get his eye in having endured a wretched run of form since the World Cup, he then started finding the middle of the bat and went on to add 86 with Taylor in less than 18 overs to set up the declaration.

A wicketless opening session had put Zimbabwe back in firm control, with Taibu making most of the running as he breezed to an unbeaten half-century, while Taylor made slower progress to reach lunch on 46 not out from 112 deliveries.

After Zimbabwe’s collapse late on day three had put the match back in the balance, the two batsmen came out with a far more positive mindset to re-establish control.

46 runs were taken in the opening 45 minutes as Taibu and Taylor worked the ball into the gaps and ran an unusually high number of threes.

Taibu was also quick on his feet to the spinners, taking a particular liking to Shakib Al Hasan as he hit the Bangladesh skipper out of the attack by regularly finding the boundary.

However Shakib was replaced by off-spinner Mahmudullah who bowled a more negative line from around the wicket to force Zimbabwe to be more patient, and the scoring slowed down dramatically over the last 45 minutes of the session with just nine runs coming from the last 10 overs.

A more productive second session led Taylor to stick the Bangladeshis back in, and his confidence in his bowlers was rewarded after a nervy, run-filled period when Mpofu came around the wicket to hit the top of Tamim’s off stump as the left-hander shouldered arms.

Jarvis then gained his reward for another sharp spell of bowling when, having beaten the bat on numerous occasions, he finally found the edge of Imrul Kayes’ bat to have the opener caught behind for 31.

The 22-year-old fast bowler wasn’t finished yet, and also used the round-the-wicket approach to full effect as he sent Shariar Nafees’ leg stump cartwheeling to set up an exciting final day at Harare Sports Club.

Day 3
End Of Day: Zimbabwe – 92/4 in 34.3 overs (BRM Taylor 5, T Taibu 0)
Lunch: Bangladesh – 200/5 in 73.0 overs (S Al Hasan 40, M Rahim 3)
Drinks: Bangladesh – 163/4 in 59.0 overs (M Ashraful 62, S Al Hasan 17)

Day 2
End Of Day 2 Bangladesh – 107/3 in 46.0 overs (M Ashraful 34, Mahmudullah 4)
Tea: Bangladesh – 38/2 in 12.0 overs (Shahriar Nafees 17, M Ashraful 2)
Innings Break: Zimbabwe – 370/10 in 131.0 overs (KM Jarvis 4)
Lunch: Zimbabwe – 326/6 in 115.3 overs (T Taibu 3)
Drinks: Zimbabwe – 304/3 in 104.0 overs (BRM Taylor 64)
H Masakadza: 100 off 235 balls (8 x 4, 1 x 6)

Day 1
End Day 1: Zim – 264/2 in 90.0 overs (H Masakadza 88, BRM Taylor 40)
At Tea Zimbabwe 191/2 in 60.0 overs (H Masakadza 56, BRM Taylor 4)
At Drinks: Zim – 144/1 in 44.0 overs (V Sibanda 69, H Masakadza 23)
At Lunch Zim were 102/1 in 30.0 overs (V Sibanda 50, H Masakadza 0)

Zim were put into bat first on a typically sunny, clear but cool day at the Harare Sports Club and went about it very well on the first Test and only test against Bangladesh.

Considering that this is Zimbabwe’s first test in almost six years, their opening stand on the first day was pretty impressive, especially when you take into account that the pitch is expected to offer the seamers some early assistance. It is likely to flatten as the match goes on, Shakib Al Hasan made the expected decision to bowl after winning the toss, something Brendan Taylor admitted he would also have done.

Zimbabwe have 4 newcomers to test cricket in their team, opening batsman Tinotenda Mawoyo, middle-order batsman Craig Ervine, and bowlers Kyle Jarvis and Brian Vitori, who received their caps shortly after the toss. Tatenda Taibu, who created shockwaves through Zimbabwe cricket with his revelations of administrative problems, was in the starting line-up and will bat at No. 6. Zimbabwe played one spinner in Ray Price, who is likely to play a containing role.

Zimbabwe have not played a Test in almost six years, when they lost to India by ten wickets at this ground. Bangladesh also had a mini-hiatus from the longest version of the game. They last played a Test 14 months ago, against England. Bangladesh have never won a Test in Zimbabwe and only one member of the current team, Mohammad Ashraful, has played in a Test against them.

Zimbabwe Team: 1 Vusi Sibanda, 2 Tinotenda Mawoyo, 3 Brendan Taylor (capt & wk), 4 Hamilton Masakadza, 5 Craig Ervine, 6 Tatenda Taibu, 7 Elton Chigumbura, 8 Ray Price, 9 Kyle Jarvis, 10 Brian Vitori, 11 Christopher Mpofu

Bangladesh Team: 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Imrul Kayes , 3 Shahriar Nafees, 4 Mohammad Ashraful, 5 Shakib Al Hasan (capt), 6 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 7 Mahmudullah, 8 Abdur Razzak, 9 Shafiul Islam, 10 Rubel Hossain, 11 Robiul Islam

ODI Series Fixtures

Zim also take on Bangladesh in a series of one day internationals:

• First ODI: 12 August, Harare
• Second ODI: 14 August, Harare
• Third ODI: 16 August, Harare
• Fourth ODI: 19 August, Bulawayo
• Fifth ODI: 21 August, Bulawayo

Zimbabwe Cricket welcomes Bangladesh to restart their test career again this month.

The first and only Test match against Bangladesh will be played from 4th to the 8th of August 2011 at Harare Sports Club with Brendan Taylor leading the Zimbabwean side.

Cricket Zimbabwe withdrew from Test Cricket almost 6 years ago in September 2005 and the hope is that now with some major rebuilding they should be good enough to be competitive.

Test Cricket provides great opportunity for Cricket in Zimbabwe, and now its up to Cricket Zimbabwe, their coach and players on how they grab it and bring back good years of Zimbabwean Cricket.

Zimbabwe Squad News
Brendan Taylor (capt), Regis Chakabva, Elton Chigumbura, Craig Ervine, Hamilton Masakadza, Tino Mawoyo, Keegan Meth, Chris Mpofu, Ray Price, Vusi Sibanda, Tatenda Taibu (wk), Prosper Utseya, Brian Vitori

Test cricket presented the Zimbabwean selectors with an issue of getting the right balance to the side, this was probably not felt quite as acutely as in the limited-overs sides that have recently been selected.

The dependable Tatenda Taibu looks most likely to keep wicket, but Zimbabwe will probably have to break up one of their most dependable bowling partnerships, as only one of either Utseya and Ray Price are expected to be included in the team. While both men are automatic selections in limited-overs cricket, Zimbabwe are attempting to move away from their reliance on spin as they re-enter the Test arena.

It is also probably safe to assume that Chris Mpofu will take the new ball, it’s not entirely clear whether Vitori or Keegan Meth will partner him.

Probably Zimbabwe’s biggest weakness is their opening pair of Vusi Sibanda and Tino Mawoyo. Whilst they were able to hang on for almost 55 overs in the first innings of Zimbabwe’s match against Australia in Harare two weeks ago, neither gave you the feeling that they were very comfortable.

Bangladesh tour Zimbabwe 2011 Fixture Details
Thu Aug 4 – Mon Aug 8: Only Test – Zimbabwe v Bangladesh at Harare Sports Club

Where to Buy Blood, Sweat and Treason

Currently available in Hardcover it is available online through Amazon, in the UK and US

UK
Blood, Sweat and Treason on Amazon.co.uk

USA

Blood, Sweat and Treason on Amazon.com

ODI Series Fixtures

Zim also take on Bangladesh in a series of one day internationals:

• First ODI: 12 August, Harare
• Second ODI: 14 August, Harare
• Third ODI: 16 August, Harare
• Fourth ODI: 19 August, Bulawayo
• Fifth ODI: 21 August, Bulawayo

KARIBA INVITATION TIGER FISH TOURNAMENT

50TH ANNIVERSARY

The Kariba Invitation Tiger Fish Tournament celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, starting on 26th October the Tournament promises to be the best for many a year.

Interest from teams outside of Zimbabwe has been exceptional and it is estimated that between 250 and 300 teams will enter this milestone in Zimbabwe’s fishing calendar.

To celebrate the anniversary a wide range of entertainment including Bud Cockcroft, Rob & Ellie Osborne, Fraser Mackay and Paul Bowen amongst others have been lined up to entertain every evening from Monday 24th October through to Friday.

There will be all sorts of fun during the three days with lots of giveaways and some great prizes to be won.

If you have not fished the Tournament before this would be an ideal time to start, and for those of you who have fished before, get organized you do not want to miss out, it’s going to be huge!

Full bar and catering will be provided throughout the week.

50 Years of Tiger Fishing…

www.kitft.co.zw
kitft@iwayafrica.co.zw

Kariba on Amazon.co.uk

Zimbabwe take on Canada in their second match in this years ICC Cricket World Cup and I am sure all Zimbos around the globe would like to wish Zimbabwe the best of luck.

Zimbabwe vs Canada Live Video Streaming
You can now also watch live video streaming of the game right here on Chirundu.com:

Game Over

Zimbabwe 298/9 (50 ov) | Canada 123 (42.1 ov)
Zimbabwe won by 175 runs

This was a no-contest from the time Taibu and Ervine put on in one partnership more than what Canada could get. Zimbabwe were solid, Canada hopeless. Tatenda Taibu top scored with 98 and Craig Ervine put on 85. The pick of the Zimbabwe bowlers was Ray Price who got 3 for 16.

This was Zim’s fourth-biggest win in ODIs by a runs margin and their most emphatic in a World Cup.

Preview & the Game So Far

Even though Zimbabwe lost to Australia last week, they can be pretty proud of putting up a good performance and so should go into this game with a good deal of confidence.

End of Zimbabwe Innings: Zim 298/9 (RR: 5.96)
Zimbabwe have managed to post a pretty challenging score, though we looked good to get much more when Taibu and Ervine were going strong. But once again the batting let us down a little and Zim lost five for 52 at one stage with Balaji chipping in with wickets in the middle overs. Nevetheless, Canada have a daunting task ahead of them. It could come down to how they handle spin. Zimbabwe have three specialist spinners and enough part-timers, do Canada have the wherewithal to combat them?

At the Toss

Zimbabwe won the toss in the battle of the reds at Nagpur and Elton Chigumbura decided to bat first against Canada. Chigumbura implied that the reason for this was that he'd like to give his batsmen the chance to find some form and set up a good total for his spinners to bowl at.

The Canadian captain, Ashish Bagai, did not seem too upset with losing the toss and said he would've have bowled first anyway in the hope of taking advantage of any life in the wicket first thing in the morning.

It's not often that Zimbabwe start as such overwhelming favourites, but they can't afford to take this opposition lightly. Canada have boldly stated that wins over Kenya and Zimbabwe were their goals coming into this tournament, and although their only ODI against the Zimbabweans, at Port of Spain in May 2006, resulted in a 143-run thrashing they've had more joy in Twenty20s. At King City in October 2008 they fought to a tie, only to concede the match in a bowl-off.

As usual spin is our strength with the trio of Ray Price, Graeme Cremer and Prosper Utseya restraining the batsmen. The Zimbabwe Spinners in the last game against Australia in fact, bowled 39 of the 50 overs and did very well, it was the the batting that failed the team. There is significant experience in the top and middle orders but the bulk of the responsibility in Zimbabwe's chase fell on those lower down the list. On what is expected to be a flat pitch, against a Canadian attack, Zimbabwe's batsmen have the right opportunity to get into the groove.

People to look out for include Charles Coventry - Since his incredible, record-equalling 194 against Bangladesh, he hasn't quite lived up to his potential. He is an attacking batsman who is exciting to watch when in full flow. His last 18 innings have just brought him one half-century. He's got starts, a spate of scores between 10 and 20, but his failure to push on has undermined, somewhat, the hype around him after that landmark achievement.

Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura hinted his team would retain its three-pronged spin attack. They could go in with an unchanged team. They have seamer Shingirai Masakadza, allrounder Tinashe Panyangara and left-hand batsman Terry Duffin in the 15-man squad as well.

Zimbabwe team
1 Brendan Taylor, 2 Charles Coventry, 3 Tatenda Taibu (wk), 4 Craig Ervine, 5 Sean Williams, 6 Greg Lamb, 7 Elton Chigumbura (capt), 8 Prosper Utseya, 9 Graeme Cremer, 10 Ray Price, 11 Chris Mpofu

Canada team
1 Nitish Kumar, 2 John Davison, 3 Ruvindu Gunasekara, 4 Ashish Bagai (capt/wk), 5 Jimmy Hansra, 6 Zubin Surkari, 7 Tyson Gordon, 8 Rizwan Cheema, 9 Khurram Chohan, 10 Harvir Baidwan, 11 Balaji Rao

Zimbabwe Cricket Books

Amazon, have a bunch of Zim related cricket books, including "Blood, Sweat And Treason" by Henry Olonga, "A History of the Rhodesia and Zimbabwe National Sides" by Jonty Winch who traces the history of cricket in this country (Zimbabwe) from the first recorded game played in 1890, through two World Wars and a guerilla war, to the comparative peace of post-independence and eventual world recognition in the 1980s when Zimbabwe was able to send a side to England to take part in the I.C.C. Trophy competition which it won.

There is also the Autobiography of another great Zimbabwean cricket coach Duncan Fletcher "Behind the Shades"

USA: Amazon.com

Zimbabwe Cricket on Amazon.com

At the moment Amazon UK don't have as wide selection as the US site, but I have ordered books from the US and had them delivered to the UK with no problems.

UK: Amazon.co.uk
Zimbabwe Cricket on Amazon.co.uk

Where to Buy Blood, Sweat and Treason

Currently available in Hardcover it is available online through Amazon, in the UK and US

UK
Blood, Sweat and Treason on Amazon.co.uk

USA

Blood, Sweat and Treason on Amazon.com

Chirundu.com and I am sure all Zimbos around the globe would like to wish Zimbabwe the best of luck against Australia today in their opening game of the 2011 cricket world cup.

Zimbabwe vs Australia Live Video Streaming
You can now also watch live video streaming of the game right here on Chirundu.com:

Game Over

Australia 262 for 6 (Watson 79, Clarke 58*, Mpofu 2-58) beat Zimbabwe 171 (Cremer 37, Johnson 4-19, Tait 2-34) by 91 runs

Highlights

History tells us that Australia should win, having lost only once in their inaugural encounter in the 1983 World Cup by 13 runs. There have been a few other instances when Zimbabwe did run Australia close (twice at Perth – 1994 when Australia won by two wickets, and 2001 when they won by one run), but Australia’s firepower have almost always prevailed.

But the Zimbabweans have kept an eye on Australia's performance during the warm-up matches, when they struggled against top-quality spin. Ray Price, Prosper Utseya and Graeme Cremer are not quite the same as Harbhajan Singh, but spin is the strength of Zimbabwe and Australia will need to force the pace for much of their innings.

* Head-to-head record Total played: 27. Australia wins: 25; Zimbabwe wins: 1; NR: 1
* In the sub-continent: 6. Australia wins: 6; Zimbabwe wins: 0 In the World Cups: 8. Australia wins: 7; Zimbabwe wins: 1

Zimbabwe team
BRM Taylor, CK Coventry, T Taibu†, SC Williams, CR Ervine, E Chigumbura*, P Utseya, SW Masakadza, AG Cremer, CB Mpofu, RW Price

Australia team
SR Watson, BJ Haddin†, RT Ponting*, MJ Clarke, CL White, DJ Hussey, SPD Smith, MG Johnson, SW Tait, JJ Krejza, B Lee

Zimbabwe Cricket Books

Amazon, have a bunch of Zim related cricket books, including "Blood, Sweat And Treason" by Henry Olonga, "A History of the Rhodesia and Zimbabwe National Sides" by Jonty Winch who traces the history of cricket in this country (Zimbabwe) from the first recorded game played in 1890, through two World Wars and a guerilla war, to the comparative peace of post-independence and eventual world recognition in the 1980s when Zimbabwe was able to send a side to England to take part in the I.C.C. Trophy competition which it won.

There is also the Autobiography of another great Zimbabwean cricket coach Duncan Fletcher "Behind the Shades"

USA: Amazon.com

Zimbabwe Cricket on Amazon.com

At the moment Amazon UK don't have as wide selection as the US site, but I have ordered books from the US and had them delivered to the UK with no problems.

UK: Amazon.co.uk
Zimbabwe Cricket on Amazon.co.uk

Where to Buy Blood, Sweat and Treason

Currently available in Hardcover it is available online through Amazon, in the UK and US

UK
Blood, Sweat and Treason on Amazon.co.uk

USA

Blood, Sweat and Treason on Amazon.com

Even though they were not the toughest opponents, Zimbabwe has impressed by winning their first two world cup warm up games.

Zimbabwe vs Ireland
An unbeaten half-century by Brendan Taylor helped Zimbabwe to easily chase down Ireland’s total of 204 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Taylor played the anchor role, scoring 84 off 121 balls, as Zimbabwe needed just 43.5 overs to pick up a six-wicket win. Craig Ervine also shined for Zimbabwe with the bat, scoring 47.

Earlier, we had managed to restrict Ireland to a low total thanks to our spinners. Offspinner Greg Lamb took 3 for 30 in his 10 overs, while Ray Price and Graeme Cremer took three wickets between them and were both economical. Ireland had got off to a solid start, with opener William Porterfield scoring 66 and Ed Joyce getting 45. They were 111 for 1 at one stage, but lost wickets quickly once the spinners came on and were bowled out in 48.1 overs.

Zimbabwe vs Netherlands
Zim made short work of Netherlands at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, scoring 249 and then bowling the Netherlands all out for just 134. Brendan Taylor made another half-century at the top of the order and Tatenda Taibu and Regis Chakabva alsom made useful contributions.

Zimbabwe did slip to 158 for 7 at one stage, but then in came Graeme Cremer who made a run-a-ball 42, and together with Prosper Utseya and Shingirai Masakadza took Zimbabwe to the brink of 250.

Chris Mpofu and Elton Chigumbura tore through Netherlands after Ed Rainsford had provided an early breakthrough, taking six wickets between them. Netherlands lost regular wickets and were never in the game, getting bowled out for 134 in the 34th over. Opener Alexei Kervezee’s 33 was the highest score for them. Bukhari hammered two sixes in his 28 and Bradley Kruger three fours in his 22, but there was not much else to cheer about.

The former Zimbabwe international cricketer Gus Mackay has swapped sports from cricket to become chief executive of Super League club Harlequins.

Mackay, who was born in Harare (then Salisbury) in 1967 made three limited-overs appearances for Zimbabwe, previously held a similar position with Sussex, while he has also had management roles with both Surrey and Leicestershire.

“I am looking forward to joining Harlequins,” said Mackay. “I am aware of the significant challenges which we face with this sport in London”

“However, I am confident that we can make a real impact and build on the good work and strong base which exists.”

He replaces Paul Blanchard, who has left the club to work for Surrey Sports Park.

Profile
As a teenager Gus Mackay played for Zimbabwe Colts in England in 1984 and then Zimbabwe Schools. His first-class debut, in 1998-99, did not come until he was 31, although he did play for Mashonaland in the Logan Cup before it became a first-class competition. In 1986 he spent a year at Essex and was then sidelined by a serious ankle injury, before joining English Midlands sides Barnet Green and West Bromwich.

As mentioned earlier, he played three internationals for Zimbabwe as a seam bowler and a lower-order batsman after he returned from England to Zimbabwe in an effort to gain a place in the team for the 1999 World Cup. This goal was never achieved, but he did win a call-up to the one-day side which toured Australia and New Zealand in 2000-01.

After his playing career ended, he began learning his trade as an administrator as general manager of Mashonaland, while working as a banker, and in 2006 he was appointed as chief executive at Sussex. At the end of the 2008 season he moved to Surrey as managing director of cricket.

Zimbabwe overcame a stubborn Shakib Al Hasan and claimed a rare victory on foreign soil beating Bangladesh by nine runs in the opening one-dayer in Mirpur.

To be honest, the margin of victory did not do justice to the Zimbabwe, especially their spinners who were in total control for most of the Bangladesh run chase.

After being put into bat, Zimbabwe were bowled out for a rather poor 209. Like Bangladesh, Zim faltered against the spinners after making a sound start through Brendan Taylor and Chamu Chibhabha, who put on 53 for the opening wicket in 10 overs.

Zimbabwe lost their last five wickets for 25 runs, with left-arm spinner Suhrawadi Shuvo and Mahmudullah finishing with two wickets apiece. Only Regis Chakabva (45) and Craig Ervine (41) managed to get Zimbabwe to a decent total.

But it was in Zimbabwe’s bowling department and Bangladesh’s poor running between the wickets where the game was won.

Christopher Mpofu finished with 3-25 and left-arm spinner Ray Price took 2-29 off 10 disciplined overs as the tourists finally bowled Bangladesh out for 200.

This result sees Zimbabwe end their seven-match losing run away from home and matched their win in the opening game of the five-match series in Bangladesh last October, which they ended up losing 4-1.

Scorecard

Scorecard from the first one-day international between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Wednesday:

Result: Zimbabwe won by nine runs.

Zimbabwe innings: B. Taylor st Rahim b Razzak 27 C. Chibhabha b Razzak 24 R. Chakabva c&b Mahmudullah 45 E. Chigumbura b Razzak 7 T. Taibu c Zunaed b Sohrawordi 14 C. Ervine c Ashraful b Shakib 41 P. Utseya c Sohrawordi b Mahmudullah 21 K. Dabengwa c Shakib b Razzak 8 K. Meth st Rahim b Sohrawordi 3 R. Price not out 1 C. Mpofu run out 2 Extras (lb-4 w-12) 16 Total (all out; 49 overs) 209

Fall of wickets: 1-53 2-58 3-71 4-94 5-159 6-184 7-201 8-204 9-207 10-209

Bowling: Mortaza 6-0-36-0 (w-1), Shafiul 4-0-21-0 (w-1), Razzak 10-1-41-4 (w-1), Sohrawordi 10-2-32-2, Shakib 10-0-37-1, Mahmudullah 9-1-38-2 (w-3)

Bangladesh innings: T. Iqbal lbw b Mpofu 23 I. Kayes c Chakabva b Price 41 Z. Siddique run out 11 M. Ashraful b Utseya 6 S. Hasan c Meth b Mpofu 63 M. Rahim b Price 1 M. Sohrawordi run out 11 Mahmudullah c Chibhabha b Mpofu 14 M. Mortaza run out 12 A. Razzak not out 5 S. Islam run out 3 Extras (lb-2 w-8) 10 Total (all out; 49 overs) 200

Fall of wickets: 1-44 2-76 3-82 4-89 5-98 6-115 7-169 8-187 9-195 10-200

Bowling: Mpofu 9-0-25-3, Meth 8-0-50-0, Utseya 10-0-35-1 (w-1), Price 10-1-29-2 (w-2), Dabengwa 5-0-32-0, Taylor 7-0-27-0 (w-1)

Zimbabwe Cricket Books

Amazon, have a bunch of Zim related cricket books, including "Blood, Sweat And Treason" by Henry Olonga, “A History of the Rhodesia and Zimbabwe National Sides” by Jonty Winch who traces the history of cricket in this country (Zimbabwe) from the first recorded game played in 1890, through two World Wars and a guerilla war, to the comparative peace of post-independence and eventual world recognition in the 1980s when Zimbabwe was able to send a side to England to take part in the I.C.C. Trophy competition which it won.

There is also the Autobiography of another great Zimbabwean cricket coach Duncan Fletcher “Behind the Shades”

USA: Amazon.com

Zimbabwe Cricket on Amazon.com

At the moment Amazon UK don’t have as wide selection as the US site, but I have ordered books from the US and had them delivered to the UK with no problems.

UK: Amazon.co.uk
Zimbabwe Cricket on Amazon.co.uk