World Cup Teams / Andrew Hughes / 08 February 2011 /

Not so long ago Zimbabwe were friendless in world cricket. Now they travel to the World Cup with renewed hope and a decent chance of reaching the last eight.

Zimbabwe's remarkable journey back from their status as cricket pariah to regaining their Test status still has some way to go. But Zimbabwean cricket fans have some cause for optimism once more. They travel to this World Cup as the fifth ranked of seven in Group A and, in theory, need only to pull off one shock against one of the major nations to make the quarter-finals. And the Zimbabwe management have made no secret of the fact that they are targeting New Zealand.

That isn't just because the Black Caps are the poorest of the four big countries in Group A or even because their recent record in South Asia is so poor. It is also because the Kiwis have regularly struggled against spin and it is in the spin bowling department where Zimbabwe's real strength lies. Indeed better teams than New Zealand could struggle to break free against the likes of Ray Price, Prosper Utseya and Graeme Cremer who can put the breaks on an innings during the middle overs.

Set against their slow bowling strength, however, is the dearth of seam bowlers and the weakened and slightly unsettled batting line-up. The omission of batting stalwart Hamilton Masakadza was a surprise and the last minute decision of Sean Ervine not to return to international cricket was a blow, meaning that they will have a reshuffled order and yet another new opening partnership. But if they can find the right combination and if their spinners get on top, they are more than capable of springing the one surprise they need to reach the quarter finals.

The Captain - Elton Chigumbura
Chigumbura is only 24 but has been around for a while, having made his first class debut at the age of 15 and is considered to be Zimbabwe's premier all-rounder. But he appears to have struggled with the responsibility of captaincy and his performances have been disappointing of late. An aggressive batsman who also bowls lively medium pace, he needs to find some confidence and some form.

The Sledger - Ray Price
A fast bowler in a spinner's body, the snarling, chatting, always expressive Price is well worth watching if you've never seen him in action. His aggressive demeanour is in contrast to his left-arm spin which is impeccably economical and it is this combination which can induce unwary batsmen into errors. His attacking approach lifts his team-mates and with Price in the side, Zimbabwe will not be pushed around.

The Cat - Tatenda Taibu
Arguably the best wicketkeeper in the world game, his astonishingly quick reflexes recall some of the greats of the art of glovesmanship and given the spin-dominated balance of their attack, he is a vital component in their gameplan. A former captain, he is also a leader on the field and one of the most experienced players in the squad.

The Swashbuckler - Brendan Taylor
Reckless, impetuous and undeniably talented, Taylor is probably the best batsman Zimbabwe have and one of the few constants in a continually shifting batting order. He has matured in recent months, showing a greater focus on training and fitness and his calculated aggression will be important in getting the Zimbabwe innings off to the best possible start.

Best Bet
Zimbabwe to reach the quarter finals at [20.0] or better

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