Paul Strang 3 for 24 vs England at Harare 2nd ODI in Jan 1997

Mr. Devotor

Relive a golden moment from the 1990s when Zimbabwe cricket stood tall on the world stage. On 1st January 1997, during the 2nd ODI against England at Harare, Paul Strang produced a masterclass in leg-spin bowling.  With the match hanging in the balance, Strang delivered a brilliant spell of 3 wickets for just 24 runs, helping Zimbabwe seal a hard-fought 7-run victory. His accuracy, variations, and sheer fighting spirit turned the tide in Zimbabwe’s favour.  Strang’s heroic bowling earned him the Player of the Match award, shared with England’s John Crawley, who had played a valiant knock for his side.  This match was more than just a victory—it was a statement of Zimbabwe’s resilience and the talent of players like Paul Strang, who became a pillar of their cricketing success in the 1990s.  📺 Watch and relive Paul Strang’s magical spell against England—one of Zimbabwe cricket’s proudest moments.  🔖 Hashtags  #PaulStrang #ZimbabweCricket #ClassicCricket #CricketHistory #ZimbabweVsEngland #LegSpin #1990sCricket #CricketHighlights #HarareODI #CricketLegends

Transcript

00:00Zimbabwe in the 1990s produced a number of gifted cricketers who carried the nation flags

00:05with pride on the international stage.

00:08Among them was the spirited leg spinner Paul Strang, a bowler of immense skill and determination.

00:14On New Year's Day in 1997, during the second ODI against England at Harare, Paul Strang

00:20produced a spell of true craft and courage.

00:23With the game delicately poised, he delivered a decisive performance, claiming three wickets

00:28for just 24 runs.

00:29His variation and control played a pivotal role in securing a narrow yet memorable seven-run

00:35victory for Zimbabwe.

00:59And Atherton couldn't get round far enough to get it in the gap.

01:02Here's Whittle coming in.

01:04He's coming hard at him.

01:05A couple of juggles, a couple of bounces.

01:07Ah, I've got it.

01:11The England captain is out, gone for 25.

01:16The ball hit him hard.

01:17It was hit out of the middle of the bat and pretty flat.

01:21Whittle had to make ground towards the ball.

01:26And, ah, just a couple of juggles.

01:27And, ah, just a couple of juggles.

01:28But he's very plain in the end.

01:30It's out.

01:31It's very well done by Andy Flower, who, ah, kept his calm.

01:35Might have been a bit of pressure on John Crawley there because of the build-up through the

01:42over.

01:43And England have paid a price for it.

01:45There's top quality bowling from Strang.

01:48I think Irani's presence has, ah, added the urgency to Crawley's innings.

01:53And he's down the track playing across the line.

01:56It's a very efficient piece of wicket-keeping by Andy Flower.

02:00Because there's an edge and a boot and a scuttering ball that he's taken and removed the bails.

02:07Fine innings from John Crawley.

02:0873 has set England on their way.

02:11But there are 157 for five now.

02:14The one on the offside.

02:16That's got him.

02:17That's nicely taken by Andy Flower.

02:20That's a good piece of stunting.

02:22That was pushed through by Paul Strang.

02:25Ronnie Irani was the man looking for the big shot.

02:29Looking for that boundary which England so sorely need at this stage.

02:33But it all went wrong.

02:34Well, we're waiting for Ronnie to play to get the big one.

02:40He went for it.

02:41Beautiful bit of leg spin bowling.

02:43Turned sharply.

02:44Well, it fell and did the rest.

02:47It was a performance that exemplified the resilience of Zimbabwe.

02:52Zimbabwean cricket in that era.

02:53With Strang's wristband pleaving the English batsman searching for the world.

02:54It was a performance that exemplified the resilience of Zimbabwean cricket in that era.

03:07With Strang's wristband pleaving the English batsman searching for answers.

03:22His effort did not go unnoticed as he was deservedly named player of the match sharing the honour

03:28with England's John Crowley who fought valiantly with the bat.

03:32This was a contest that highlighted the grit of a rising cricketing nation.

03:36And Paul Strang's spell remains aged as one of those defining moments when Zimbabwe stood

03:42tall on the international stage.

03:44Paul Strang was more than just a leg spinner.

03:46He was a cricketer who embodied Zimbabwe fighting spirit throughout the 1990s.

03:51Known for his sharp leg spin bowling, clever variation, and unwavering determination.

03:56Paul Strang often shouldered the responsibility of leading Zimbabwe spin attack.

04:00With his ability to deliver under pressure made him a vital asset.

04:05Whether in the longer format or in the heat of limited overs battle.

04:09Although his international career was cut shorter than it deserved to be.

04:13Moment like this match-winning spell against England stand as a reminder of his class and

04:18commitment.

04:19Paul Strang will always be remembered as one of the Zimbabwe final spinners.

04:22A player who gave his all every time he stepped onto the field.

04:26If you like this video, please comment, share and subscribe.

04:29Thank you very much.

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