Heath Streak’s 5 Most Memorable Batting Performances for Zimbabwe

On 3 September 2023, Zimbabwe legend Heath Streak passed away at the age of 49 years after a long battle with cancer. Streak was known as one of the greatest all-rounders to play ever for Zimbabwe. With the ball, he was lethal but on many occasions, when the team needed him the most, the former skipper came up with some terrific knocks with the bat whether it was a Test or ODI. In 65 Tests, he had 1990 runs, including one century and 11 fifties. While in 189 ODIs, Streak scored 2943 runs, including 13 fifties.   

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Here are the Top five most memorable batting performances from Heath Streak for Zimbabwe

127* vs West Indies, 2003 (Test)

Heath Streak vs West Indies (Image Source: Twitter)

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It was the first match of the two-match Test series that took place between West Indies and Zimbabwe in Harare on 4 November 2003. Zimbabwe skipper, Heath Streak won the toss and opted to bat first. 

Streak led from the front and scored 127* runs off 264 balls in the first innings as they declared the innings after scoring 507 runs for nine wickets. Eventually, the match ended in a draw and Streak won the Player of the Match award for his all-round contributions. It is his highest score in Tests.

79* vs New Zealand, 2001 (ODI)

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Heath Streak vs New Zealand (Image Source: Twitter)

This match-winning knock from Heath Streak came against New Zealand in the third ODI on 7 January 2001. The Kiwis batted first and set a 274-run target in Auckland. In reply, Zimbabwe were in all sorts of trouble after losing six wickets for 146 runs in 30 overs. 

Then, Streak came out and smashed 79* runs off 67 balls and Zimbabwe won the game with just one wicket and eight balls to spare. This historical win also ensured that they won the three-match ODI series 2-1 against New Zealand in New Zealand. He bagged the Player of the Match award also. It is his highest score in ODIs.    

85 vs South Africa, 2005 (Test)

Heath Streak (Image Source: Twitter)

This 85-run knock from Heath Streak came against South Africa in 2005 during the second game of the two-match Test series in Centurion. After winning the toss, the Proteas asked Zimbabwe to bat first and in that first innings, Streak hit 85 runs off 154 balls.

However, it was enough to prevent a defeat for Zimbabwe as the home side defeated them by an innings and 62 runs. But, it was an overall good game for Streak as he scored 101 runs and took two wickets also. 

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68 vs South Africa, 2005 (ODI)

Heath Streak vs South Africa (Image Source: Twitter)

It was the third Between Zimbabwe and South Africa in 2005 in Gqeberha where Tatenda Taibu won the toss and opted to bat first. Heath Streak was the highest scorer as he smashed 68 runs off 105 balls, including five fours.

In 50 overs, Zimbabwe scored 206 runs for eight wickets in 50 overs. In reply, the Proteas chased down the target with five wickets and 21 balls to spare. With the ball, Streak took one wicket for just 28 runs in eight overs.  

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71* vs Australia, 2003 (Test)

Heath Streak (Image Source: Twitter)

This Test match was special for Matthew Hayden as he smashed 380 runs. But, during this first Test in 2003 in Perth, the Aussies batted first and declared their first innings after scoring 735 runs for six wickets. 

In reply, Zimbabwe got bundled out for 239 runs in their first innings. Then, in the second innings, Heath Streak remained not out on 71* runs but it was not enough as they lost the match by an innings and 175 runs.

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