There is nothing like it to watch the underdog come out with all guns blazing… gives you a pleasantly happy euphoria and Zimbabwe certainly will now get the cricketing fraternity to stand-up and take note, after they defeated West Indies by 30 runs. With a country looming over their political turmoil and indifferent attitude of the ICC to play a considerable part in resolving several controversial cricketing disputes, life has gone on with the Zimbabwe team.

Zimbabwe scored a superb 274 in their 50 overs with Chibhabha (73) and Matsikenyeri (55) ensuring that a great total was posted. What was absolutely remarkable was the manner they went about accumulating runs – attacking, a word which never at all had a significant part in their strategy all these years. Zimbabwe for years played a defensive game where they mostly looked to bat out the overs, rather than believe in themselves to flay the opposition. The current new breed of cricketers and their coach Robin Brown have been working hard to be more aggressive and change their negative mind-set on simply playing out the overs and rather take control and believe in one’s abilities. The Twenty-20 world cup produced a shocker, showing signs of an improving team, when Zimbabwe beat Australia! And now West Indies! While it would be interesting to watch how they progress over the rest of the series but one thing is for sure… they are improving in giant steps.

Chigumbura who played well for a quick 38 came back and took the West Indian batting attack apart with some tight bowling, ending the match on a high note with figures of 3/25 in his 8 overs. As usual the lone ranger Chanderpaul stood there till the end unbeaten at 127, but he never could take any real control of the match which seems to be happening to him off late a bit too often. Morton supported him with his 54, but both of these never could turn on the pace when it mattered and all credit to the Zimbabwe bowlers who kept it tight.

Nevertheless, this remarkable change in attitude may give them the realization that this is the formula for success the bigger teams have adopted… the belief to “make” a win happen. While there is still a long way to go, Zimbabwe must take heart and relentlessly keep at this newly discovered belief. They have to take heart looking at a team like Sri Lanka, who over a decade ago, barely could cross 100 runs in an innings, with a guy named “Sanath Jayasurya” batting at number 9!! Sri Lanka believed and went on to achieve what was to be the most remarkable and rapid turnaround of a team which went on to dominate world cricket for a while and changed the way it was played. Let’s hope Zimbabwe keeps their focus for the good of this game and for the good of the country itself which is going through difficult times.