The Sunday Mail
It’s not always been easy to talk about Zimbabwe cricket in positive terms, but performances at the 2022 World Cup have exceeded expectations. The side enjoyed some success against Bangladesh earlier this year, but few could have imagined that Zimbabwe would be on the verge of a semifinal place at a major tournament.
Irrespective of whether the team does make it through to the knockout stages, there’s no reason why this squad can keep improving over the next few years.
Mix of Youth and Experience
The Zimbabwe team that beat Pakistan in that thrilling last ball finish is based on a solid blend of youth and experience. Skipper Craig Ervine, together with Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza are all aged over 35.
While the three elder statesmen in the side have all played their part, Sikandar Raza has been the standout performer in the Zimbabwe World Cup squad. In the country’s first three games of the tournament, he won the Player of the Match award on each occasion.
Along with the ageing players, there are some younger teammates who have all made a contribution in this tournament. The giant seam bowler Blessing Muzarabani has been aided by his bowling partners Brad Evans and Richard Ngarava.
There is good balance for now but how much further can the current team develop?
Another World Cup on the Horizon
As soon as the T20 World Cup comes to a conclusion, teams will focus their attention on the 50-Over version of cricket’s global tournament. The ICC ODI World Cup takes place in India across October and November 2023.
As the host nation and one of the strongest teams in both limited overs formats, India are clear favourites to lift the trophy. Hot on their heels is a chasing pack that includes England, South Africa, New Zealand and Pakistan.
As for Zimbabwe, the betting markets put them down among the rank outsiders. With so much cricket still to be played before the start of the next World Cup, there is time for the figures to change. The odds in question are supplied by safe betting sites affiliated with the SBO.net website.
The markets for the 2023 World Cup will adjust and updates will be reflected on the website when they come in. As readers consider the numbers, there will be a host of other useful information on hand including breaking news, general opinion and advanced betting guides.
Those who wish to take things further will find that each sportsbook on the SBO panel is ready to accept new players. Subject to a completed online registration form, many will also publish a generous welcome package.
Each bookmaker lists a range of funding methods which help transfer opening deposits, and customer services will step in if anyone needs assistance.
Once playing regularly, there will be additional benefits to enjoy. A choice of other sports, together with in-play markets and the ability to stake via a mobile app should also be in place.
This can be a useful set of pages for any form of cricket betting, but can Zimbabwe really compete at the next World Cup?
What Next for Zimbabwe Cricket?
As one of the lower ranked nations in ODI cricket, Zimbabwe will firstly have to pre-qualify for the 2023 World Cup in India. One advantage in their favour is the fact that the country will host the qualifying tournament which will take place between 18th June and 9th July next year.
Assuming they get to India at the end of the year, there will be tougher challenges in store. Zimbabwe competed strongly against Bangladesh in July, but they may struggle against the better nations such as India, England and Australia.
The aim is to move forward and to keep competing as the side has done at the 2022 World Cup. With that target in mind, the selectors will want to keep Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams and Craig Ervine in the group for as long as possible.
Brad Evans bowled the key death over in the win over Pakistan while Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani also contributed. The future for Zimbabwe cricket can be bright, but the current squad needs to stay together for a little longer.
