OTD | Hamilton Masakadza was born in 1983

One of Zimbabwe’s most accomplished cricketers, Hamilton Masakadza was born on this day, August 9, in 1983. He was born in Harare and his claim to fame came when only 16 years of age, when he became the youngest and first black Zimbabwean to score a first-class century. 

Hamilton showed great grit and temperament at just 17 years and 354 days, facing the West Indian side on his Test debut in 2001 in Harare and slamming 119 runs with 12 fours, becoming the then youngest Zimbabwean to score a Test century. 

Over the course of more than 18 years, his early promise developed into a lengthy and stable international career. Masakadza participated in 38 Test matches and amassed 2,223 runs at a 30.04 average, with five hundreds and eight half-centuries. He demonstrated his ability to bat long and anchor innings with his best Test score of 158. 

Masakadza was a reliable player despite Zimbabwe’s scant Test opportunities during his time. Masakadza played in 209 One-Day International matches and scored 5658 runs at an average of 27.73 with five hundreds and 34 fifties, including a career-best 178* against Kenya in 2009.  

He became the first batsman in ODI history to register two 150+ knocks in a single bilateral series when he remarkably scored another 156 in that same series. 

Masakadza made66 appearances for Zimbabwe in T20 Internationals, scoring 1662 runs at an average of 25.96, including 11 half-centuries.

In a four-match Twenty20 International series against Bangladesh in 2016, he broke the previous record with 222 runs. He demonstrated his significance in the shortest format that same year as he became the first Zimbabwean to reach 50 appearances in T20Is.

In addition to his stats, Masakadza provided stability during a turbulent time in Zimbabwean cricket. He captained the team in all formats and was frequently the team’s go-to player under duress. His contributions were crucial, whether he was leading off the field or opening the innings.

Throughout his cricket career, the right-handed batter saw tremendous ups and downs. Because of the political unrest in the mid-2000s, Zimbabwean cricket was receiving a lot of criticism. 

Masakadza had to experience erratic batting form once Zimbabwe returned to the international scene. He was considered one of Zimbabwe’s greatest cricket players by the time his career ended.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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