Tinashe Panyangara      

Tinashe Panyangara is a tall allrounder who first came to attention on the world stage with a remarkable bowling performance of 6 for 31 that sent the Australians tumbling to a shock defeat at the hands of Zimbabwe during the Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh in 2003-04. Panyangara's family lives in Marondera, a country town about 45 miles south-east of Harare. He learned his cricket at the local primary school - Godfrey Huggins - and was a boarder at Churchill High School in Harare. His allround performances attracted the attention of Takashinga Sports Club, and he was playing for their first team while in Form Four. He won selection for the national Under-19 side in 2003 for the first time. He is tall with a smooth bowling action and is noted for his accuracy, and opens the batting for Takashinga. Panyangara had hoped to spend this and next year gaining his A-levels before becoming a professional cricketer, but instead found himself opening the bowling for the national side after the sacking of the 15 rebel players. Early in 2005 he developed a stress fracture in the back, causing him to miss a year of cricket. It is hoped he will return soon, as with his all-round talents he is viewed as a vital part of Zimbabwe's cricketing future. A passionate player, his transparent delight at success on the field is a welcome change from the often stereotyped celebrations of many other international players.
John Ward June 2006