After facing heartbreak in the World Cup qualifiers, Zimbabwe had to endure a turbulent string of events. However, they managed to finish the year on a high note…
2018 was surely a tough year for the Chevrons. A marginal loss against UAE tarnished their World Cup hopes, and this was followed by a strike by the players against the board. Soon after, Zimbabwe were whitewashed in the tri-series against Pakistan and Australia – as well as in the ODI series against the Green Shirts.
The South African team showed no mercy either, wrapping up their series against the Zimbabwean side last month. Zimbabwe’s latest challenge is Bangladesh, with the Tigers emerging victorious in the limited-overs format but faltering in the Test series thus far.
A memorable day for Zimbabwe!https://t.co/F6oizZoddm #BANvZIM pic.twitter.com/py4t184mk1
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) November 6, 2018
With the Sylhet Cricket Stadium hosting its first ever Test, the visitors easily dismantled the home side in both innings. As a result, Zimbabwe won their first away Test in 17 years. The way the team has bounced back after their ODI struggles is absolutely stunning. Crucial runs from Sean Williams and Hamilton Masakadza, and the bowling pressure built by Tendai Chatara, Sikander Raza and Kyle Jarvis, combined to form a wonderfully curated bouquet from Zimbabwe to Test cricket.
Looking at Bangladesh’s performance, it could be said that they took the opposition a little too lightly and had to bear a heavy loss for doing so. The series decider began on 11th November and Bangladesh will be hoping to level the series in Dhaka. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, have had new life breathed into them and another Test win could propel them even further.
"It will be an incredible feeling and a wonderful achievement."
Could Brendan Taylor's first away Test ton help Zimbabwe secure a first overseas series win in 17 years?
READ 👇https://t.co/fF1GmRi8f3 pic.twitter.com/C9Iu1OsADh
— ICC (@ICC) November 13, 2018
A Test series win is going to mark a new era of cricket in Zimbabwe. Ideally, the team can pull itself out of its shell with their renewed confidence and win more games in the days to come. As the excitement builds for what’s expected to be a mouth-watering contest, we hope the best team emerges victorious and expands the scope of Test cricket for their nation.