Heath Streak’s 5 Most Memorable Bowling Performances for Zimbabwe

Heath Streak was one of the greatest players ever to don the Zimbabwe jersey on the cricket field. On 3 September 2023, he passed away at the age of 49 years after a long battle with cancer. But, over the years, he produced some top spells in both the ODI and Test formats with the ball. In 65 Tests, he took 216 wickets while in 189 ODIs, Streak grabbed 239 wickets. However, Streak is still the only Zimbabwe player who has taken more than 100 Test wickets.     

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Here are the top five most memorable bowling performances from Heath Streak for Zimbabwe

5/32 vs India, 1997 (ODI)

Heath Streak vs India (Image Source: Twitter)

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This epic spell came from Heath Streak against Team India in 1997 in Bulawayo. It was the first game of the two-match ODI series. After winning the toss, Zimbabwe asked the Men in Blue to bat first.

But, Heath Streak ran carnage as he picked up five wickets for just 32 runs in 8.5 overs. As a result, India got bundled out for just 168 runs in 43.5 overs. Zimbabwe chased down the target with eight wickets in hand. Streak won the Player of the Match award and it is his best figures in ODIs.   

5/27 vs West Indies, 2000 (Test)

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Heath Streak vs West Indies (Image Source: Twitter)

It was the first game of the two-match Test series between Zimbabwe and West Indies in Port of Spain in 2000. In the Windies’ first innings, they got bundled out for just 187 runs, courtesy of Heath Streak’s four-fer for 45 runs in 24 overs. 

Then, in West Indies’ second innings, Streak continued his red-hot form as he picked up five wickets for 27 runs in 17 overs. However, Zimbabwe lost the game by 35 runs but Streak took nine wickets for 72 runs and it is his best figures in a Test match.   

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4/18 vs Pakistan, 1997 (ODI)

Heath Streak vs Pakistan (Image Source: Twitter)

It was the sixth match of the Singer-Akai Cup between Pakistan and Zimbabwe in Sharjah in 1997. After opting to bat first, Pakistan’s batters failed miserably, scoring only 151 runs for nine wickets in 50 overs.

Heath Streak seemed to be unplayable by them as he picked up four wickets for just 18 runs in 10 overs, including two maidens. But, his effort went in vain and Zimbabwe failed to chase down the target by 32 runs.  

6/73 vs India, 2005 (Test)

Heath Streak vs India (Image Source: Twitter)

This top spell came against Team India in the second game of the two-match Test series in 2005 in Harare. In reply to Zimbabwe’s first innings total of 161 runs, the Men in Blue scored 366 runs in 107.3 overs. 

But, Heath Streak bowled beautifully and took six wickets for 73 runs in 32 overs. It is his best figures in a Test innings. But, again in the second innings, Zimbabwe batters failed and set a 19-run target for India. The Men in Blue won that game by 10 wickets. 

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4/8 vs West Indies, 2001 (ODI)

Heath Streak vs West Indies (Image Source: Twitter)

It was the sixth game of the Carlton series between Zimbabwe and West Indies in 2001 in Sydney. After getting asked to bat first, Zimbabwe set a target of just 139 runs. It was looking like an easy win for the Windies.

But, Heath Streak had some different plans as he grabbed four wickets for just eight runs in eight overs, including four maidens. West Indies got bundled out for just 91 runs and Streak won the Player of the Match award for his all-round performance. 

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