The Sunday Mail
ZIMBABWE lost on the field of play and did not feature in the final of the One Day International triangular at the Harare Sports Club yesterday, but the country scored big on the terraces. The world watched in disbelief as Zimbabweans from all races — blacks and whites joined together to cheer their team. Some South Africans and Australians joined this big cosmopolitan Zimbabwean family and together they had the times of their lives cheering their teams.
It was difficult to imagine that this was the Zimbabwe that the international media portrayed to the world. According to the international media, there is chaos in Zimbabwe. People are dying of hunger everyday. Blacks and whites are always on each other’s throat and in fact, after the land reform programme, there are no whites left in troubled Zimbabwe. Fortunately, the lies were exposed in spectacular fashion at the Harare Sports Club.
Zimbabwe is “kicking” and although they are challenges, just like in any other developing country, the situation is not as bad as the international media wants the world to believe.
The country’s cricket team put icing on the cake when they upstaged cricket giants Australia and gave South Africa a good run for their money.
On the terraces, the fun did not stop whether Zimbabwe was winning or losing. The people were out to have fun and fun they had.
The world stood up and took notice.
“In the 30th ODI meeting between these sides, Zimbabwe did what they had not for 31 years and beat Australia. The captain Elton Chigumbura engineered the chase that changed 11,406 days of history, after his spinners had applied a stranglehold that kept Australia to their lowest total against Zimbabwe, and achieved only their second win against these opponents” wrote Firdose Moonda, a renowned cricket writer, on Cricinfo.
“Zimbabwe has been waiting 31 years for this. This is a very special day. If you could see the jubilation in the crowd with singing and dancing in the stands you would understand just how important this win was both for the players and the people of Zimbabwe. By playing series like this against two of the stronger teams in the world — South Africa and Australia — is the only way Zimbabwe are going to improve and get back to the way they once were,” cricket commentator Dean Du Plessis is quoted saying on the British Broadcasting Corporation website.
“The rolling news ticker on breakfast TV in Brisbane ran with “Australia undermined on minefield”, while the other stations were less eloquent with their “Pore pitch defeats Aussies” headline. Poor spelling, poor analysis, no mention of Zimbabwe,” wrote Australian based American columnist Michael Jeh on his blog on Cricinfo.
Contrary to popular belief that cricket is an elitist sport or is now a sport for blacks, the cosmopolitan of culture as fans from different races joined in the fun told a story that puts — the international media to shame.
Blacks, whites, Indians, Zimbabweans, Australians or South Africans could be seen drinking, being merry, shouting and screaming all along supporting their respective teams. It was a joy to watch and those watching on television in other countries must have wondered where Zimbabwe had imported such an all encompassing atmosphere.
The Sunday Mail Extra team went into the terraces to watch as this story unfolded.
“The Protea Army”, a group of childhood friends from down south who are in a way a reply to the famous English Barmy army said they were utterly impressed by the welcome, the weather and level of skill demonstrated by Zimbabwe.
“I believe the series has been fantastic. Nice weather, the atmosphere has been pretty good and we have enjoyed our stay here.
“We didn’t specifically travel for the cricket but when we heard that our team was in town, we switched our plans and extended our visit here. It’s unfortunate that Zimbabwe missed out on the final, as it would have been very nice meeting them in the final, but I believe they are in the right direction and need only work on the basics like shot making and converting good starts into big scores,” said Mike Hunt, a member of the six men team.
Among those that did travel specifically for the cricket was the duo of Mohammed Zian and Cut Master, South African and Zimbabwean friends who took time off from work in South Africa to come and watch the last two games of the series.
“I’m having the time of my life watching cricket and having a couple of drinks and it’s been a very good series so I heard. I have only watched one or two games on the television in South Africa and decided to come with my friend here to watch the finals,” said Cut Master, who refused to give his actual name.
“I came here specifically to watch South Africa play and I have utterly enjoyed the trip and action.
“Zimbabwe is a nice country, peaceful unlike the crime in South Africa and as it is my first visit here, it has been quite refreshing. I actually intend to come back here after a week,” said Zian.
Among the locals spoken to, were couples, businessmen (vendors) who all spoke highly of the series and the hospitality demonstrated by the fellow citizens.
“I have been quite impressed as there were a lot people who thought that Zimbabwe was going to be whitewashed but the team has been very competitive especially in one the games against both South Africa and their win over Australia.
“They restricted the Proteas to 230 then Australia to 209, which takes a lot of skill and hardwork. Regarding the atmosphere, its been clean, friendly and sometimes electric and that not only confined to this series but the country and other series as a whole,” said Hamish Michael and Pauline Ore.
The endorsement has not been confined to the fans alone as the Zimbabwean fever gripped members of the Australian team, who last week took time off their hectic schedule to visit Glen View 3 Primary School to not only donate some equipment but spend time with some pupils at the school.
Australian squad members Mitch Marsh, Kane Richardson, Ben Cutting and James Faulkner visited Glen View Primary School and took about 60 under-13 children from the area through some light cricket drills.
“This tour has provided a great opportunity to get out to a local community and help teach the game of cricket and hopefully encourage a few more youngsters to take up the game.
“There was certainly some good skills on show and hopefully a couple of budding international stars of the future.
“This visit is arguably the highlight of the tour here as it was nice to see the smiles on their faces and to see them having fun; that’s what the game of cricket is all about,” said Faulkner.
