Cricket: Just who do Zimbabwe think they are?

Zimbabwe have been the surprise package of the Cricket World Cup so far, beating favourites South Africa and fellow qualifiers India on the way to the Super Six stage of the tournament.

There, with four points already, they are confident of knocking over New Zealand on Sunday night (NZ time) to guarantee a place in the semifinals.

So who are the Zimbabweans? Herald cricket correspondent Richard Boock puts together a dosssier on the Africans.


Alistair Campbell (Mashonaland) 25

One Day Debut: 1992.

One Day Appearances: 102

In solid rather than spectacular form at this tournament, the Zimbabwean captain has made his biggest impact in the shorter game, scoring more ODI centuries (three) than any of his countrymen. His off-spin has not yet been sighted at the '99 World Cup.


Eddo Brandes (Mashonaland) 36

Debut: 1987. Appearances: 58

The famous chicken farmer who took a hat-trick against England in 1997, Brandes is a veteran from the 1987 World Cup. Has played just two games so far in this tournament, proving handy enough down the order, but a tad expensive with the ball.

Stuart Carlisle (Mashonaland) 27

Debut: 1995. Appearances: 17

Played in all Zimbabwe's Group matches but has struggled - like so many other specialist batsmen - to score as heavily as he would have hoped. Has also played hockey for his country.

Andy Flower (Mashonaland) 31

Debut: 1992. Appearances: 110

The first Zimbabwean to reach 3000 one-days runs, the wicketkeeper has scored 182 runs in this tournament at a strike-rate of 72.80. Flower used to captain the team, but found the leadership, the gloves and the responsibilities of a top-order batsmen, too much of a burden.

Grant Flower (Mashonaland) 28

Debut: 1992. Appearances: 97

A genuine all-rounder in one-day cricket thanks to his flat spin, his batting has been the rock on which many Zimbabwean innings has been built. Like his brother Andy, has scored five Test centuries and has played in all his country's Tests. Has scored consistently at this World Cup.

Murray Goodwin (Matebeleland) 26

Debut: 1998. Appearances: 31

Hasn't scored heavily enough during the Group games but is generally recognised as one of the team's best batsmen - having being honed in Australia's academy system. Has already scored an ODI century and has also represented Holland in the Nat West Trophy.

Adam Huckle (Matebeleland) 27

Debut: 1997. Appearances: 16

Ousted long-term legspinning regular Paul Strang last winter but has only played in one game at this tournament, bowling his ten overs for 35 runs. Was the first Zimbabwean to take 10 wickets in a Test. Originally based in South Africa where he represented Eastern Province, he returned home two years ago.

Neil Johnson (Matebeleland) 29

Debut: 1998. Appearances: 19

The discovery of the World Cup, Johnson is his team's leading wicket-taker (with 10 scalps) as well as the highest run-scorer, with 156 runs at 31.20, including a match-winning 76 against South Africa. Johnson opens the batting,and has already made centuries in both Test and one-day cricket. He dismissed Sachin Tendulkar twice on debut. Played for Leicestershire, where he topped the batting averages in 1997, and for Natal in South Africa.

Mpumelelo Mbangwa (Matebeleland) 22

Debut: 1996. Appearances: 17

Nicknamed "Pom" he spent time at school in England and played English club cricket with some success. Has bowled reasonably well in his two outings at this tournament.

Henry Olonga (Matebeleland) 22

Debut: 1996. Appearances: 11

Took three wickets in one over to propel Zimbabwe to a crucial win over India in the Group phase. Born in Zambia, he was the first black player to represent Zimbabwe. Called for throwing on his Test debut.

Paul Strang (Matebeleland) 29

Debut: 1994. Appearances: 76

Bowled tidily enough during the first round without proving especially penetrative. Has more than 50 Test wickets to his name and was an automatic choice until Huckle arrived on the scene. Plays for Kent.

Heath Streak (Matebeleland) 25

Debut: 1993. Appearances: 78

Zinbabwe's leading wicket-taker in ODIs (93), Streak has taken eight wickets during this tournament, as well as making some useful late-order contributions with the bat.

Dirk Viljoen (Mashonaland) 22

Debut: 1997. Appearances: 12

Zimbabwe's young cricketer of the year in 1997, the all-rounder played against New Zealand in the 1997-98 season but has not played a game in this tournament yet.

Andrew Whittall (Matebeleland) 26

Debut: 1996. Appearances: 46

At Cambridge University for four years (two as captain) Whittall played for his country before playing first class cricket in Zimbabwe. Had two opportunities with his off-spin during the first round, and performed capably. Cousin of Guy.

Guy Whittall (Matebeleland) 26

Debut: 1993. Appearances: 77

A former big-game hunter, he missed much of last season with a knee injury. His ability to bat and bowl has made him a regular member of the Zimbabwean World Cup eleven. Has scored a Test double-century.