Zimbabwe v Bangladesh player ratings

[eugene]

Craig Ervine
Runs: 134; Ave: 44.66; HS: 46

A good series for Craig Ervine (our top run scorer), who has surely cemented his place in the middle order for Zimbabwe (particularly with Sean Williams' continuing absence). While he didn't score a half-century, he was the only batsmen who seemed to be able to consistently deal with the Bangladeshi spinners and rotate the strike - this despite a supposed weakness against spin. This series should quieten the Craig Ervine doubters. 7/10

Prosper Utseya
Runs: 132; Ave: 44.00; HS: 67; Wickets: 5; Ave: 30.40; ER: 4.00

In my opinion the player of the series for Zimbabwe. His bowling was economical and he even picked up some wickets which hasn't always been his strong point. He was the second highest run scorer and one of only two players to score a half-century. To add to these achievements he also stood in as captain for and showed that he could perform with the extra responsibility. Has Utseya finally arrived as the all-rounder we have hoped he would become? If so, him batting at seven would give us greater flexibility, particularly since Elton Chigumbura is now just a batsmen. 8.5/10

Regis Chakabva
Runs: 85; Ave: 28.33; HS: 45

A solid debut series for Chakabva who showed enough potential to be considered for further international duty. His strike rate of 59.44 is obviously too low for international cricket, but better ability at rotating the strike will come with more experience. Perhaps some more 'A' team tours would be a good idea as I am not sure yet if he will be a consistent selection for the national team. 5/10

Tatenda Taibu
Runs: 102; Ave: 25.50; HS: 64

One of only two players to score a half-century. Taibu stepped up when he needed him to in the last match. Unfortunately this type of innings has become all too rare for Taibu. For most of this series he seemed intent on playing unorthodox strokes and he had an unusual preoccupation with the reverse-sweep. Taibu seems to be lacking focus these days and finding stupid ways to get out after getting good starts. Let's hope the final match effort is a sign of things to come. 5/10

Graeme Cremer
Runs: 24; Ave: 24; HS: 24; Wickets: 1; Ave: 89.00; ER: 5.56

Inexplicably only selected for two games, Cremer bowled ok but not great. He was rather expensive and only took one wicket. In his defence he only bowled 16 overs and was rarely given spells of any length. Did his job with the bat when required. 4/10

Brendan Taylor
Runs: 70; Ave: 17.50; HS: 28; Wickets: 0; ER: 4.86

Disappointing series for Zimbabwe's best batsman. Taylor always looked in good form but never converted any starts. More is required from him at the top of the order, particularly given our weakness against spin in the middle of innings. Wasn't helped by the selectors breaking up the successful partnership of Taylor-Masakadza at the top of the order. 3/10

Keith Dabengwa
Runs: 47; Ave: 15.66; HS: 30; Wickets: 2; Ave: 36.00; ER: 4.50

Regardless of your thoughts on Keith Dabengwa, perhaps the bigger question is what role do the selectors see him filling. One game they send him in at 3, another game he is coming in at 8, and he rarely bowls more than 4 or 5 overs. He is really neither a batsman or a bowler and certainly isn't an allrounder. Perhaps he is better suited to T20 cricket. He did score 30 with the bat in one game but it was painful to watch and it was clear he didn't have the technique required to do anything other than wildly swing or drop anchor. His bowling was actually ok but we have no shortage of spin bowlers so his place in the team is questionable. It is time to move on from Dabengwa who clearly isn't cut out for international cricket and isn't going to get any better. 3/10

Shingirai Masakadza
Runs: 14; Ave: 14; HS: 14; Wickets: 1; Ave 34.00; ER: 4.25

Shingirai bowled much better this series in more friendly conditions that what he faced in South Africa. He only played one match which makes him hard to grade, but he did what was asked of him. 4/10

Elton Chigumbura
Runs: 37; Ave: 12.33; HS: 23

A bad series for Elton who is no longer an allrounder and now just an under-performing batsman. The captaincy really seems to have destroyed his individual game. Why isn't he bowling anymore? 1/10

Chamu Chibhabha
Runs: 32; Ave: 10.66; HS: 24; Wickets: 0; ER: 5.50

Got a start in one match with the bat but didn't convert. Chibhabha continues to promise much but offer little. His bowling is not of international standard and no captain should give him the ball. 1/10

Ray Price
Runs: 16; Ave: 8.00; HS: 14; Wickets: 6; Ave: 22.66; ER: 3.48

Our best bowler in the series. Price continues to bowl at a worldclass level with wicket-taking ability coupled with a great economy rate. His sledging is first rate also. My personal pick for captain. 8/10

Hamilton Masakadza
Runs: 9; Ave: 4.50; HS: 6

Only selected in two matches, this was a miserable series for Hamilton who is woefully out of form ahead of the world cup. His place in the side may be in danger. 0.5/10

Keegan Meth
Runs: 3; Ave: 1.50; HS: 3; Wickets: 0; ER: 6.47

Showed little with bat or ball (his bowling is surprisingly slow for someone of his build). His rise to being the next Andy Blignaut is currently stalled. Probably worth looking at again in the future as he does have potential with both bat (he has a ODI fifty to his name) and ball (if Streak can get his awkward action sorted out). Highpoint of thes eries was bowling at the death in the first ODI which we won. 1/10

Chris Mpofu
Runs: 2; Ave: 1; HS: 2; Wickets: 6; Ave: 25.16; ER: 4.57

One of the few brightspots of the series for Zimbabwe. After being slaughtered in South Africa, Mpofu bolwed much better against Bangladesh, albeit on friendlier wickets where pace isn't quite so important. Mpofu was equal leading wicket-taker for Zimbabwe with Price and his ER was great also. After looking like a player who shouldn't be persisted with internationally, Mpofu came storming back onto the scene against Bangladesh. he has probably secured his place as our leading ODI pace bowler in the subcontinent for the upcoming world cup. 7/10

[CrimsonAvenger]

Goos analysis. I would have given a 9 for Prosper and 6 for Regis, given that it was his first full series.

[Dr_Situ(ZimFanatic)]

Elton Chigumbura


A bad series for Elton who is no longer an allrounder and now just an under-performing batsman. Why isn't he bowling anymore? 1/10

We all know now that he is suffering from a groin injury which also explained dropping of a sitter.