Masakadza, Taylor - The Key to Laying a Solid Foundation

[clikcspeed]

Hi guys, something has been bothering me and it only got to me yesterday after the T20I match. Anyways, whilst we all admire our batting exploits of late, there is a critical partnership which on many occasions has determined whether the outcome of the match is in our favour. Yes, the Masakadza-Taylor partnership, poor bowling aside!

Together, Masakadza and Taylor have been involved in 32 innings, yielding 1131 (the highest partnership runs for Zim) runs at an average of 36.48 with 4 100s and 5 50s. Check the link below...

http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/pla ... ow_summary

Moving on, it seems likely that we go on to win every time this partnership brings up 50+ runs - this is very self explanatory (given that they are the opening pair), should one go out, the one who stays in takes up the attacking role, with the next 2 wickets (3 and 4) taking up the supporting role - Taibu takes up this role exceptionally well (averaging 46.70 with Taylor in 21 innings and 26.66 in 12 innings with Masakadza). I also want to think that after building a 50+ partnership, 8 - 10 overs (usually during the powerplay) pressure on the incoming batsmen is significantly much lesser than when coming in after losing Taylor/Masakadza in the first 5 overs. This also allows the likes of Chigumbura, to do what they do best, coming in around 35+ overs as compared to coming in during the 20 something overs where ones primary goal is to stabilize the innings, rather than to play in a freer role.

I hope by now, you have appriciated the vitality of this pair. Their partnerships below:

http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/pla ... w=fow_list

The default sort is by date, notice the inconsistencies? Sort the view by runs and notice, the probability of a win (or a less miserable defeat) when their partnership is worth 50+ runs.

I do hope this makes sense to you. And that these guys get many more games together, once they start getting more consistent averages of around 50/60+, the mid/lower order is likely to reciprocate more positively.

[CrimsonAvenger]

Now, these are the kind of things we must be discussing more often. Wonderful insights clickspeed.

We must admit, even though these two are not the best in terms of technique, they have had the most impact in terms of winning matches for Zimbabwe. This is undoubtedly the pair to be used at the top of the order at the moment.

[eugene]

Both of these players are best batting at the top of the order. I really can't think of anyone else who should open.

[sloandog]

Chibhaba is an option, but having seen these two do so well, i wouldn't change a thing

[Flower power]

Chibhaba is an option, but having seen these two do so well, i wouldn't change a thing

Spot on . When one of the two falls Chibhabha will ensure continuity .

[sloandog]

Chibhaba is an option, but having seen these two do so well, i wouldn't change a thing

Spot on . When one of the two falls Chibhabha will ensure continuity .

Agreed

[Flower power]

I was wondering how the picture would turn out if we put in Craig Ervine or Sean Williams .
Batting we have millions possible combination my headache and the headache that has been hitting ever since is the bowling . W seem to juss run dry .

[sloandog]

I was wondering how the picture would turn out if we put in Craig Ervine or Sean Williams .
Batting we have millions possible combination my headache and the headache that has been hitting ever since is the bowling . W seem to juss run dry .

Well we've got lots of talented bowlers, but it's a shame that only a hadful are of international class

[Flower power]

Then Grant Flower has the task of turning this abundant talent into meaningful international players who can take on any attck in the world.

[bayhaus]

Yeah the Ham-Taylor union is good and its good that the stats say that not just an opinion, I wouldnt change that pair for a while and give it a decent run. And yeah Chibhabaha am sure wil definitely take up the position after either one. I actually see Chibhabha as our Sehwag Factor, EVERY team needs one cos thats where cricket is going, explosive straight from the word go!