When one thinks about cricketing powerhouses on the African continent, countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya come to mind. But Zambia, slowly and surely, are starting to make progress among their African contemporaries.
There are a good few player epitomsing the success of the country in cricket at the moment – and the reasons why bookmakers available in Zambia continue to provide interesting markets for the sport. It’ll be interesting to see how Zambia are priced up for future International Cricket Council tournaments and events.
Javid Patel has been captaining Zambia in international cricket and has been key to their growth with the bat in particular. They will need more runs from him in the future, though, if they are to climb the various tiers offered to smaller cricketing nations by the ICC.
Bhaidu brings a lot
Mohammad Bhaidu is Zambia’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter and he has been instrumental to getting them off to good starts with the bat at the top of the order. Bhaidu’s shot selection and stroke play can be exemplary, while his natural aggression is evident time and time again against other African cricketing nations. He could even be compared to some of the bigger nations’ wicketkeeper-batters – such as Jos Buttler or Quinton de Kock.
Lungu can go far
Robert Lungu is a really promising prospect for Zambia. He is a fine all-rounder, capable of winning matches and series with bat and ball – or both. He recently took a match three-for against Kenya and, earlier this year, struck a solid half-century against Rwanda. He also put in a good cameo with the willow against Malawi.
Zimba has more to give
James Zimba is another outstanding Zambian cricketer to keep an eye on. He is also promising a lot with both bat and ball. He is older than a lot of his team-mates, so they can lean on his life and cricket experience during low- and high-pressure situations on the field. Zimba is a left-arm spinner and very good at turning the ball away from the right-handers. When conditions are conducive, he benefits from bigger bounce and additional turn.
Tapson Nyirongo is another Zambian cricketer with a lot of experience. He bowls with the new ball and has the ability to swing it both ways – and sometimes complements that with lateral movement off the seam. While he has not taken a wicket in any of his last three appearances in T20 cricket for Zambia, this is not to say he is necessarily out of form. He has a lot more to give at this level and, at 33 years old, he probably isn’t as close to retiring as some might anticipate.