Zimbabwe vs Pakistan 2018: 3 takeaways for Zimbabwe from the ODI series

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) is currently undergoing a horrendous period. First, they failed to directly qualify for the ICC 2019 World Cup. Then, they failed at the ICC 2018 World Cup Qualifiers. As a result, ZC removed their skipper Graeme Cremer and sacked the entire coaching staff. Heath Streak had filed a defamation lawsuit against ZC board chairperson, Tavengwa Mukuhlani, for alleged 'slanderous statements.'

Besides, the ongoing pay dispute forced several senior players to boycott the recently concluded T20I tri-series involving Australia & Pakistan, and the 5-match ODI series against Pakistan. As a result, Zimbabwe failed to register a single victory in both the series.

Despite being offered a 0-5 whitewash from the hands of Pakistan in the ODI series, Zimbabwe has few positives to take home from the series. Let us look at three such takeaways from the ODI series one by one.

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#3 Fans still believe in their team

Fans expressed their disappointment during the precedent T20I tri-series

ICC World Cup Qualifier was a big heartbreak for every Zimbabwe cricket team fans. Despite the failure, fans were proud of their team’s performance. Similar performances were expected from the team in their future fixtures. However, the ongoing salary issue shattered the fans dreams.

During the T20I tri-series, fans greeted the Zimbabwe players with banners and placards, which read statements such as "No to victimization," "ZC board must go" and "enough of mismanagement of funds."

However, their love towards the game remains the same. Even though the total attendance for the ODI series was mediocre, fans continued to visit the stadium to support their team. Even the banners and placards are signs of their love on the national team.

#2 Resilience

Zaman tormented the Zimbabwe bowlers by smashing 515 runs in five games including a double century

Barring the 3rd ODI, Zimbabwe showed resilience in the rest of the tournament. Their opponents in both the ODI and T20I tri-series crushed them heavily. Still, at the end of every game, the players never lost their confidence and approached their next game with a clean mind.

Even though Fakhar Zaman mercilessly thrashed them in every game, Zimbabwe players, especially their bowlers never lost their heart. They never behaved like Mushfiqur Rahim (remember South Africa-Bangladesh test series). Instead, everyone tried their best in all the three aspects of the game – batting, bowling, and fielding.

Zimbabwe assembled a young squad for the ODI series. On the other hand, Pakistan fielded a strong unit in the entire series. Irrespective of the vast experience difference between the two sides, Zimbabwe fought hard until the last over of the series. Their batting in the final ODI is an excellent example for their resilience.

#1 Exciting young prospects

Murray is considered as the ideal replacement for Brendan Taylor

With only 18 ODIs appearances, Blessing Muzarabani has already been touted as the 'future leader' of their bowling department. The absence of senior players has paved the way for some exciting young prospects to make their debut in the ODI series.

Ryan Murray, the wicket-keeper batsman, played the entire series. He looked comfortable against both pace and spin. Murray seemed to possess a proper technique. He deserved a half-century in the final ODI. Unfortunately, he got out on 47. In the Zimbabwe cricket circle, he is highly regarded as the ideal 'replacement' for Brendan Taylor.

Liam Nicholas Roche, Zimbabwe’s U19 captain in the 2018 U19 World Cup, made his senior team debut in the first ODI. Fakhar Zaman, the chief destroyer in the series was dismissed only twice in the whole series. Roche was the player who dismissed him on both the occasions.

Prince Masvaure too made his debut in this series. Just like Murray, Masvaure also looked comfortable in the crease in the final ODI. He along with Murray forged a 78-run partnership and steadied the middle-overs.

In the end, the pay dispute ended as a 'blessing in disguise' for these young players.