By John Ward

Another week, another innings defeat. Zimbabwe’s woes continue in Sri Lanka, although we can never rule out a sudden, unexpected and outwardly inexplicable outstanding team performance that makes everybody wonder as usual why we can’t do it all the time. Barring one of these, we are headed for our first three-nil whitewash in a series, and all by an innings. [More]

BIOGRAPHY

Grant Flower
...has for most of his career held a unique position in Zimbabwe cricket. He was the country’s one tried and tested opening batsman, an anchorman capable of stabilizing the innings and batting for hours on end. Although he saw it as an important part of his job to prepare the way for such strokemakers as his brother Andy and Alistair Campbell, the importance of his role should never be underestimated. [More]

Paul Strang
All-rounder Paul Strang had an almost meteoric rise to prominence in world cricket. He was almost unknown in international cricket circles when he sprang to prominence in the World Cup of 1995/96 in India, becoming one of the tournament’s top wicket-takers. [More]

Doug Marillier
... is one of Zimbabwe’s most determined young cricketers, and he has a clear liking for big scores. His career is all the more remarkable for the fact that he was once so badly injured in a car accident that it was feared he would never be able to walk, let alone play again. [More]

NEWS

Club cricket report
by Larry Moyo
NATIONAL team captain Brian Murphy returned to the domestic scene and inspired Universals to a stunning victory over the previously unbeaten Takashinga, and in the process opened the National First League championship race wider.

The league, which had seemed a two-horse race before the break, resumed on January 6 after a two-week festive holiday break. Universals romped to a comprehensive 110-run home win over leaders Takashinga and join the race for the title with just two rounds of matches remaining. [More]

Manicaland report
by Nigel Fleming
Manicaland seconds came down to earth last Sunday with a six-wicket thrashing from Kwekwe Sports Club (Midlands) at Mutare Sports Club. Missing their captain and a few talented schoolboys on Christmas leave, Manicaland looked title no-hopers rather than title favourites. [More]

Midlands report
by Michael Hudgson
The Kwekwe first team entertained Bulawayo Athletic Club at home. Bulawayo Athletic Club won the toss and decided to field first. [More]