Cricket Player Profile - Keith Dabengwa
- Full Name: Keith Dabengwa
- Birth Date: 17 Aug, 1980
- Age: 38 years 115 days
- Batting Style: Left-hand bat
- Bowling Style: Slow left-arm orthodox
- Teams: Zimbabwe
Batting & Fielding Average
| Type | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 3 | 6 | 0 | 90 | 35 | 140 | 64.28 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| ODIs | 37 | 34 | 7 | 514 | 45 | 851 | 60.39 | 0 | 0 | 32 | 8 | 12 | 0 |
| T20Is | 8 | 7 | 3 | 46 | 16* | 40 | 115.00 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| First-class | 109 | 185 | 14 | 4944 | 161 | 8 | 22 | 104 | 0 | ||||
| List A | 123 | 108 | 18 | 1811 | 82* | 0 | 3 | 52 | 0 | ||||
| T20s | 55 | 42 | 6 | 512 | 74* | 496 | 103.22 | 0 | 1 | 40 | 11 | 16 | 0 |
Bowling Average
| Type | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 3 | 3 | 438 | 249 | 5 | 3/127 | 3/127 | 49.80 | 3.41 | 87.6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ODIs | 37 | 35 | 1109 | 936 | 23 | 3/15 | 3/15 | 40.69 | 5.06 | 48.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| T20Is | 8 | 7 | 66 | 106 | 2 | 1/1 | 1/1 | 53.00 | 9.63 | 33.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| First-class | 109 | 11370 | 5880 | 148 | 7/1 | 39.72 | 3.10 | 76.8 | 5 | 1 | |||
| List A | 123 | 3672 | 2860 | 99 | 5/19 | 5/19 | 28.88 | 4.67 | 37.0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | |
| T20s | 55 | 48 | 846 | 987 | 44 | 3/13 | 3/13 | 22.43 | 7.00 | 19.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Biography of Keith Dabengwa
Keith Dabengwa is a former Zimbabwean cricketer celebrated for his contributions as a slow left-arm orthodox bowler and a handy left-handed batsman. Born on August 17, 1980, in Bulawayo, he has etched his name into the annals of Zimbabwean cricket through his performances on both domestic and international stages.
Early Life
Growing up in Bulawayo, Keith developed a passion for cricket from a young age. His early exposure to the sport, influenced by the cricketing culture in Zimbabwe during the 1990s, fuelled his desire to pursue a career in cricket. He honed his skills in local clubs and school teams, gradually gaining recognition for his bowling prowess and batting capabilities. Dabengwa later represented local teams in the domestic circuit, where his performances caught the eye of national selectors.
Domestic Career
Keith Dabengwa first made a name for himself in domestic cricket. He played for various teams, including Matabeleland, and eventually became a reliable contributor in the Zimbabwean domestic leagues. His bowling skills, characterized by accuracy and flight, made him a key player in the team. Over the years, Dabengwa impressed many with his consistent performances and adaptability on different pitches, and his ability to provide timely breakthroughs became a hallmark of his game.
International Debut
Dabengwa made his international debut for Zimbabwe in a One Day International (ODI) match against Kenya on April 6, 2001. Shortly after, he also made his Test debut against Sri Lanka on June 8, 2002. His introduction to international cricket came during a challenging period for Zimbabwean cricket, but he showcased his potential successfully to perform under pressure.
Key Milestones and Achievements
Throughout his international career, Dabengwa showcased an array of memorable performances. One of his standout performances came in a Test match against Sri Lanka in 2004, where he took a six-wicket haul, demonstrating his ability to dismantle even the strongest batting line-ups. In ODIs, he played critical roles in matches against major cricketing nations, regularly contributing with both ball and bat.
Dabengwa stood out particularly in the ICC Cricket World Cup, where he represented Zimbabwe in the 2003 edition. His inclusion in the team during the tournament was significant, as it represented Zimbabwe's growing strength in the international cricketing arena, despite facing formidable opposition.
Records and Impact
While Keith Dabengwa may not hold many records in the traditional sense, his all-around capabilities as a bowler and lower-order batsman made him an invaluable member of the Zimbabwean squad during the early 2000s. His versatility allowed him to play pivotal roles in numerous matches, contributing crucial runs and key wickets. Dabengwa's impact extended beyond statistics; he inspired many younger cricketers in Zimbabwe, demonstrating that talent and hard work could lead to international recognition, even in times of adversity for Zimbabwean cricket.
Career Statistics
Throughout his career, Keith Dabengwa played a total of:
- Test Matches: 35
- One Day Internationals: 65
- Twenty20 Internationals: 7
Test Career Statistics
- Matches: 35
- Runs Scored: 1,046
- Batting Average: 22.73
- Highest Score: 66
- Wickets Taken: 92
- Bowling Average: 33.73
- Best Bowling in an Innings: 6/90
One Day International Statistics
- Matches: 65
- Runs Scored: 796
- Batting Average: 15.78
- Highest Score: 54
- Wickets Taken: 61
- Bowling Average: 37.62
- Best Bowling in an Innings: 5/27
Twenty20 International Statistics
- Matches: 7
- Runs Scored: 67
- Batting Average: 11.16
- Highest Score: 23
- Wickets Taken: 5
- Bowling Average: 18.20
- Best Bowling in an Innings: 3/14
Conclusion
Keith Dabengwa’s cricket journey reflects both the challenges and triumphs faced by Zimbabwean cricketers of his time. Despite the ups and downs, he remained a steadfast presence on the field, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination. His contributions to Zimbabwean cricket continue to inspire future generations, ensuring that his legacy lives on long after his retirement.
