Zimbabwe captain Graeme Cremer won the toss and opted to bat on what is expected to be a flat pitch in the first test of the two-match series against New Zealand at the Queen&#39;s Sports Club today. 
 
The tourists go into the match as overwhelming favourites against a Zimbabwe side that have just played 10 tests in the last four years. The hosts have handed debuts to opener Chamu Chibhabha, all-rounder Prince Masvaure and seamer Michael Chinouya, while Cremer will lead the side for the first time. 
 
New Zealand opted for a seam attack that included Tim Southee, Neil Wagner and Trent Boult, as well as the spin variety of Ish Sodhi, Mitchell Santner and Williamson, who is also captaining for the first time in tests. 
 
The match is a first test for Zimbabwe in almost two years having last played away in Bangladesh in November 2014. It will be the first time they will play in Bulawayo since losing to New Zealand by 34 runs in a one-off test five years ago. They will do well to run the tourists so close again. 
 
Zimbabwe&#39;s record at the Queen&#39;s Sports Club is poor, with just a single victory in 19 matches played there to go with 11 defeats. They have never beaten New Zealand in a five-day game, suffering nine losses in the 15 matches played. 
 
(Reuters)

Zimbabwe's record at the Queen's Sports Club is poor, with just a single victory in 19 matches played there

Zimbabwe captain Graeme Cremer won the toss and opted to bat on what is expected to be a flat pitch in the first test of the two-match series against New Zealand at the Queen's Sports Club today. The tourists go into the match as overwhelming favourites against a Zimbabwe side that have just played 10 tests in the last four years. The hosts have handed debuts to opener Chamu Chibhabha, all-rounder Prince Masvaure and seamer Michael Chinouya, while Cremer will lead the side for the first time. New Zealand opted for a seam attack that included Tim Southee, Neil Wagner and Trent Boult, as well as the spin variety of Ish Sodhi, Mitchell Santner and Williamson, who is also captaining for the first time in tests. The match is a first test for Zimbabwe in almost two years having last played away in Bangladesh in November 2014. It will be the first time they will play in Bulawayo since losing to New Zealand by 34 runs in a one-off test five years ago. They will do well to run the tourists so close again. Zimbabwe's record at the Queen's Sports Club is poor, with just a single victory in 19 matches played there to go with 11 defeats. They have never beaten New Zealand in a five-day game, suffering nine losses in the 15 matches played. (Reuters)

Zimbabwe win toss, elect to bat in first test against New Zealand

Zimbabwe have appointed Graeme Cremer as captain of a 16-man squad named on Thursday for the two-test series against New Zealand starting next week. 
 
The 29-year-old spinner replaces Brendan Taylor in the role for Zimbabwe&rsquo;s first test since they lost three matches in Bangladesh in late 2014. 
 
Four uncapped players &ndash; Chamu Chibhabha, Prince Masvaure, Peter Moor and Taurai Muzarabani were selected in the squad for the matches in Bulawayo. 
 
The first test begins next Thursday and the second on Aug. 6. 
 
It will be the first test at the Queens Sports Club in almost five years since New Zealand won a one-off match there by 34 runs in November 2011. 
 
New Zealand play Zimbabwe A in a three-day practice match at the Harare Sports Club on Friday before flying to Bulawayo. 
 
Squad 
 
Graeme Cremer (captain), Sikandar Raza Butt, Regis Chakabva, Brian Chari, Tendai Chatara, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Craig Ervine, Hamilton Masakadza, Prince Masvaure, Peter Moor, Richmond Mutumbami, Taurai Muzarabani, Njabulo Ncube, Donald Tiripano, Sean Williams. 
 
(Reuters)

The 29-year-old spinner replaces Brendan Taylor in the role for Zimbabwe?s first test since they lost three matches in Bangladesh in 2014

Zimbabwe have appointed Graeme Cremer as captain of a 16-man squad named on Thursday for the two-test series against New Zealand starting next week. The 29-year-old spinner replaces Brendan Taylor in the role for Zimbabwe’s first test since they lost three matches in Bangladesh in late 2014. Four uncapped players – Chamu Chibhabha, Prince Masvaure, Peter Moor and Taurai Muzarabani were selected in the squad for the matches in Bulawayo. The first test begins next Thursday and the second on Aug. 6. It will be the first test at the Queens Sports Club in almost five years since New Zealand won a one-off match there by 34 runs in November 2011. New Zealand play Zimbabwe A in a three-day practice match at the Harare Sports Club on Friday before flying to Bulawayo. Squad Graeme Cremer (captain), Sikandar Raza Butt, Regis Chakabva, Brian Chari, Tendai Chatara, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Craig Ervine, Hamilton Masakadza, Prince Masvaure, Peter Moor, Richmond Mutumbami, Taurai Muzarabani, Njabulo Ncube, Donald Tiripano, Sean Williams. (Reuters)

Cremer named Zimbabwe captain for test return

Zimbabwe&#39;s government warned protesters on Tuesday they would face the &quot;full wrath of the law&quot; if they heeded a call by a detained preacher to continue with the biggest demonstrations in a decade against President Robert Mugabe. 
 
Baptist minister Evan Mawarire has become a household name in Zimbabwe since he started a social media campaign in April that has tapped into mounting public anger over corruption, high unemployment and economic woes. 
 
In a video recorded before his arrest on Tuesday, Mawarire urged supporters to go ahead with further &quot;stay at home&quot; demonstrations. He had called for a one-day protest last week which closed businesses across the southern African nation in the biggest strike since 2005. 
 
&quot;The police whose mandate is to protect life and property will be out in full force to deal with any disturbances that may arise,&quot; Home Affairs Minister Ignatius Chombo told reporters. 
 
&quot;Let me warn the instigators behind the intended protests that they will face the full wrath of the law,&quot; said Chombo, flanked by the ministers of defence and state security.&nbsp;Chombo said there were no plans to deploy the military. 
 
Mugabe, Africa&#39;s oldest leader at 92, has led the former British colony since independence in 1980. Since then it has gone from being one of the continent&#39;s most promising economies to being a country mired in economic crisis with a reputation for human rights abuses. 
 
After initially ignoring his grainy online videos, shot on a cellphone and calling for mass protests, Mugabe&#39;s administration has started to push back, especially after they attracted support from thousands of unpaid civil servants. 
 
&quot;Yes, he has been arrested for inciting public violence and disturbing peace,&quot; Mawarire lawyer Harrison Nkomo told Reuters. He said police had raided his client&#39;s Harare home, office and church. 
 
Police spokeswoman Charity Charamba was not available to comment on the charges. 
 
A copy of a search warrant seen by Reuters said police believed Mawarire was in possession of a stolen police helmet, baton stick and &quot;other subversive material&quot; that could be used to incite public violence. 
 
The law under which the bespectacled 39-year-old has been detained carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years. According to Zimbabwean law, he must appear in court within 48 hours. He was summoned by police early on Tuesday morning. 
 
Mawarire said he broke no law in calling for the one-day shut-down last Wednesday. 
 
International Crisis Group analyst Piers Pigou said Mawarire&#39;s #ThisFlag movement had rattled Mugabe&#39;s government but was still a long way from becoming the first &quot;Arab Spring&quot; south of the Sahara. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s provoked a certain amount of panic from the authorities given the scale of the stay-away,&quot; Pigou said. &quot;But a stay-away doesn&#39;t translate into active support for rebellion against the regime.&quot; 
 
Gandhi Comparison 
 
More protests are planned for today and Thursday as part of #ThisFlag, which aims to appeal to Zimbabweans national pride and exploit the widespread use of social media in the country. 
 
In a pre-recorded video posted on Twitter under the #ThisFlag hashtag after he was charged, Mawarire said his arrest should not stop Zimbabwe&#39;s 13 million people going ahead with demonstrations. 
 
&quot;No matter what has happened to me, you and I have done well. We have stood up and raised our voices to build this nation,&quot; Mawarire said. 
 
Last Friday police summoned and arrested Prosper Mkwananzi from social media group Tajamuka - meaning &quot;We refuse&quot; on charges of public violence. Mkwananzi was released on bail on Monday. 
 
Mawarire launched #ThisFlag in April after struggling to pay school fees for his two daughters or bus fares. His complaints struck an immediate chord with Zimbabweans and 120,000 people watched his video in its first week. 
 
Within three months, some have even started likening him and his adherence to non-violence to Indian anti-colonial hero Mahatma Gandhi, who started becoming politically active as a lawyer in neighbouring South Africa in the early 1900s. 
 
&quot;There is nothing wrong from learning from the people like Gandhi because they achieved a lot of things in pushing the non-violent aspect of things,&quot; Mawarire said in an interview with the Zimbabwe Independent newspaper this month. 
 
&quot;If we fight violence with violence, the result will be more violence,&quot; he said. &quot;There comes a time when we have to use a different strategy to that being used by the people we are confronting.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)

Baptist minister Evan Mawarire was arrested for starting "stay at home" social media protest, the country's biggest strike since 2005

Zimbabwe's government warned protesters on Tuesday they would face the "full wrath of the law" if they heeded a call by a detained preacher to continue with the biggest demonstrations in a decade against President Robert Mugabe. Baptist minister Evan Mawarire has become a household name in Zimbabwe since he started a social media campaign in April that has tapped into mounting public anger over corruption, high unemployment and economic woes. In a video recorded before his arrest on Tuesday, Mawarire urged supporters to go ahead with further "stay at home" demonstrations. He had called for a one-day protest last week which closed businesses across the southern African nation in the biggest strike since 2005. "The police whose mandate is to protect life and property will be out in full force to deal with any disturbances that may arise," Home Affairs Minister Ignatius Chombo told reporters. "Let me warn the instigators behind the intended protests that they will face the full wrath of the law," said Chombo, flanked by the ministers of defence and state security. Chombo said there were no plans to deploy the military. Mugabe, Africa's oldest leader at 92, has led the former British colony since independence in 1980. Since then it has gone from being one of the continent's most promising economies to being a country mired in economic crisis with a reputation for human rights abuses. After initially ignoring his grainy online videos, shot on a cellphone and calling for mass protests, Mugabe's administration has started to push back, especially after they attracted support from thousands of unpaid civil servants. "Yes, he has been arrested for inciting public violence and disturbing peace," Mawarire lawyer Harrison Nkomo told Reuters. He said police had raided his client's Harare home, office and church. Police spokeswoman Charity Charamba was not available to comment on the charges. A copy of a search warrant seen by Reuters said police believed Mawarire was in possession of a stolen police helmet, baton stick and "other subversive material" that could be used to incite public violence. The law under which the bespectacled 39-year-old has been detained carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years. According to Zimbabwean law, he must appear in court within 48 hours. He was summoned by police early on Tuesday morning. Mawarire said he broke no law in calling for the one-day shut-down last Wednesday. International Crisis Group analyst Piers Pigou said Mawarire's #ThisFlag movement had rattled Mugabe's government but was still a long way from becoming the first "Arab Spring" south of the Sahara. "It's provoked a certain amount of panic from the authorities given the scale of the stay-away," Pigou said. "But a stay-away doesn't translate into active support for rebellion against the regime." Gandhi Comparison More protests are planned for today and Thursday as part of #ThisFlag, which aims to appeal to Zimbabweans national pride and exploit the widespread use of social media in the country. In a pre-recorded video posted on Twitter under the #ThisFlag hashtag after he was charged, Mawarire said his arrest should not stop Zimbabwe's 13 million people going ahead with demonstrations. "No matter what has happened to me, you and I have done well. We have stood up and raised our voices to build this nation," Mawarire said. Last Friday police summoned and arrested Prosper Mkwananzi from social media group Tajamuka - meaning "We refuse" on charges of public violence. Mkwananzi was released on bail on Monday. Mawarire launched #ThisFlag in April after struggling to pay school fees for his two daughters or bus fares. His complaints struck an immediate chord with Zimbabweans and 120,000 people watched his video in its first week. Within three months, some have even started likening him and his adherence to non-violence to Indian anti-colonial hero Mahatma Gandhi, who started becoming politically active as a lawyer in neighbouring South Africa in the early 1900s. "There is nothing wrong from learning from the people like Gandhi because they achieved a lot of things in pushing the non-violent aspect of things," Mawarire said in an interview with the Zimbabwe Independent newspaper this month. "If we fight violence with violence, the result will be more violence," he said. "There comes a time when we have to use a different strategy to that being used by the people we are confronting." (Reuters)

Anti-Mugabe protesters to face 'full wrath' of Zimbabwe law

Supporters of Zimbabwe protest leader Evan Mawarire rallied today outside the court where he was set to appear after being arrested during a surge of unrest against President Robert Mugabe`s government. 
 
Mawarire, a pastor who has been charged with inciting public violence, was an organiser of a one-day nationwide shutdown last week when offices, shops, schools and some government departments stayed closed. 
 
Protest organisers had appealed for Zimbabweans to hold another strike startingtoday, but their calls were largely unsuccessful with businesses and schools open as usual. 
 
Police were on patrol in the capital Harare after Mawarire, who founded the internet ThisFlag protest movement, was arrested on Tuesday. 
 
A series of demonstrations in Zimbabwe, where protests are rare under Mugabe`s authoritarian rule, have been driven by an economic crisis that left banks short of cash and the government struggling to pay its workers. 
 
&quot;They made sure that they arrested the people who are most vocal and fearless -- that is why the response is not as good as it was last week,&quot; Onias Marongwa, who works in a grocery store, told AFP. 
 
More than 150 mainly young supporters, many carrying the Zimbabwean flag that has become a symbol of the protests, sang and chanted outside the magistrate`s court in Harare. 
 
Mawarire was brought into court through a back entrance, as scores of lawyers from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights group offered to represent him.&quot;The arrest of Pastor Evan Mawarire appears to be a well-calculated plan to intimidate him and other activists ahead of the national shutdown,&quot; Muleya Mwananyanda of Amnesty International said in a statement. 
 
&quot;Instead of suppressing dissenting voices, Zimbabwean authorities should be listening to protesters.&quot; 
 
Amnesty said about 300 people had been arrested for participating in protests around the country since they started last week. 
 
The recent demonstrations have revealed long-bubbling frustration in a country where 90 per cent of the population are not in formal employment. 
 
Mugabe, 92, has overseen years of economic decline, repression of dissent, allegedly rigged elections and mass emigration since he came to power in 1980. 
 
Last week security forces used tear gas and water cannon to disperse violent protests outside Harare that erupted over police officers allegedly using road blocks to extort cash from motorists. 
 
Television footage showed police beating protesters with sticks. 
 
Other protests have erupted at the border with South Africa over a ban on imports such as canned vegetables, powdered milk and cooking oil. 
 
On Tuesday, home affairs minister Ignatius Chombo held a press conference to warn that anyone who took part in the planned two-day strike would face &quot;the full wrath of the law&quot;. 
 
&quot;I urge members of the public to desist from engaging in illegal protests,&quot; he said. 
 
Many civil servants have been paid their delayed June salaries since last week. 
 
In the southeastern town of Masvingo, most shops and offices were open despite the planned strike. 
 
&quot;The regime`s machinery is very visible,&quot; Takafira Zhou, leader of the Progressive Teachers` Union in the town, told AFP. 
 
&quot;Today`s response to the strike is low as some people who took part last week had their salaries forfeited and they fear for the worst if they are seen to be defiant.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

Evan Mawarirea has been charged with inciting public violence, organised a one-day nationwide shutdown last week

Supporters of Zimbabwe protest leader Evan Mawarire rallied today outside the court where he was set to appear after being arrested during a surge of unrest against President Robert Mugabe`s government. Mawarire, a pastor who has been charged with inciting public violence, was an organiser of a one-day nationwide shutdown last week when offices, shops, schools and some government departments stayed closed. Protest organisers had appealed for Zimbabweans to hold another strike startingtoday, but their calls were largely unsuccessful with businesses and schools open as usual. Police were on patrol in the capital Harare after Mawarire, who founded the internet ThisFlag protest movement, was arrested on Tuesday. A series of demonstrations in Zimbabwe, where protests are rare under Mugabe`s authoritarian rule, have been driven by an economic crisis that left banks short of cash and the government struggling to pay its workers. "They made sure that they arrested the people who are most vocal and fearless -- that is why the response is not as good as it was last week," Onias Marongwa, who works in a grocery store, told AFP. More than 150 mainly young supporters, many carrying the Zimbabwean flag that has become a symbol of the protests, sang and chanted outside the magistrate`s court in Harare. Mawarire was brought into court through a back entrance, as scores of lawyers from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights group offered to represent him."The arrest of Pastor Evan Mawarire appears to be a well-calculated plan to intimidate him and other activists ahead of the national shutdown," Muleya Mwananyanda of Amnesty International said in a statement. "Instead of suppressing dissenting voices, Zimbabwean authorities should be listening to protesters." Amnesty said about 300 people had been arrested for participating in protests around the country since they started last week. The recent demonstrations have revealed long-bubbling frustration in a country where 90 per cent of the population are not in formal employment. Mugabe, 92, has overseen years of economic decline, repression of dissent, allegedly rigged elections and mass emigration since he came to power in 1980. Last week security forces used tear gas and water cannon to disperse violent protests outside Harare that erupted over police officers allegedly using road blocks to extort cash from motorists. Television footage showed police beating protesters with sticks. Other protests have erupted at the border with South Africa over a ban on imports such as canned vegetables, powdered milk and cooking oil. On Tuesday, home affairs minister Ignatius Chombo held a press conference to warn that anyone who took part in the planned two-day strike would face "the full wrath of the law". "I urge members of the public to desist from engaging in illegal protests," he said. Many civil servants have been paid their delayed June salaries since last week. In the southeastern town of Masvingo, most shops and offices were open despite the planned strike. "The regime`s machinery is very visible," Takafira Zhou, leader of the Progressive Teachers` Union in the town, told AFP. "Today`s response to the strike is low as some people who took part last week had their salaries forfeited and they fear for the worst if they are seen to be defiant." (AFP)

Zimbabwe pastor due in court as strike falters

Zimbabweans stayed at home on Wednesday and foreign banks and most businesses in the capital shut down, in one of the biggest protests against high unemployment, an acute cash shortage and corruption for nearly a decade. 
 
Evan Mawarire, a pastor whose social media movement #ThisFlag organised the &quot;stay-away&quot;, demanded that President Robert Mugabe fire corrupt cabinet ministers and scrap plans to introduce local bank notes or face a two-day shut-down next week. 
 
Wednesday&#39;s protest followed violent clashes between taxi drivers and police on Monday that led to the arrest of 95 people. It also coincided with a strike by doctors, teachers and nurses whose salaries had been delayed. 
 
A devastating drought has compounded economic hardships including high joblessness while an acute cash shortage has angered Zimbabwe&#39;s citizens. 
 
In a story quoting John Mangudya, the governor of Zimbabwe&#39;s central bank, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday that the African Export-Import Bank was arranging a seven-year loan of $986 million so Zimbabwe could pay back arrears to the World Bank. 
 
The FT quoted Mangudya as saying Zimbabwe hoped to pay off its arrears before the September board meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the African Development Bank, paving the way for IMF assistance to alleviate its cash crunch. 
 
African Export-Import Bank and IMF officials could not immediately be reached for comment. 
 
Campaign attracts thousands 
 
The 39-year-old Mawarire started the #ThisFlag campaign in April to protest against corruption, injustice and poverty. 
 
The campaign has attracted thousands of followers who have been speaking out against government excesses. Wednesday&#39;s protest was organised via Twitter, Facebook and WhatsApp. 
 
Mawarire&#39;s campaign includes a series of demands: for Mugabe to fire and prosecute &quot;known&quot; corrupt ministers, for government salaries to be paid on time and for police to remove roadblocks which most people say are posts for bribe taking officers. 
 
&quot;The ball is in your court,&quot; Mawarire wrote on his Facebook page. &quot;We are ready to close down again and this time we will add another day, Wednesday and Thursday. We are not playing and we ask you to take us seriously.&quot; 
 
Mugabe&#39;s spokesman, George Charamba, was not available to comment. 
 
State telecoms regulator POTRAZ said in a statement it would arrest people sending &quot;subversive&quot; messages that cause unrest. 
 
Mugabe, who has held power since Zimbabwe gained independence from Britain in 1980, was attending a scheduled meeting on Wednesday of his party ZANU-PF&#39;s politburo, the party&#39;s top executive organ. Party spokesman Simon Khaya-Moyo declined to say whether ZANU-PF would discuss the protests. 
 
In the volatile township of Mufakose, to the west of Harare, hundreds of youths barricaded roads to keep people from going to work, witnesses said. 
 
More than 40 people were arrested across Zimbabwe for blocking roads and disturbing the peace, said Charity Charamba, a police spokeswoman. Among them was a Belgian tourist held in the resort town of Victoria for unlawful protests, she said, correcting her earlier statement that an Australian had been detained. 
 
There was no need to call out the military, Charamba said. 
 
&quot;The military is not there because in our assessment, for now, the situation has not deteriorated (enough) to warrant the presence of the military,&quot; Charamba told reporters. 
 
Local units of Barclays and Standard Chartered shut their branches in central Harare. Clothing retailers Edgars Stores and Truworths closed stores. 
 
Siyaso, one of the biggest and oldest informal markets in Mbare township near central Harare, was also shut. Few vehicles were on the roads of the capital. Supermarkets like Pick&#39;n&#39;Pay, Ok Zimbabwe and Choppies reported little business. Government departments were open. 
 
Local private media said Zimbabweans in other major cities had also stayed at home, with most businesses closed. Zimbabwe last witnessed such a protest in April 2007. 
 
(Reuters)&nbsp;

In the country's biggest protest in a decade, people stay home and businesses close amid unemployment, cash shortage, corruption and drought

Zimbabweans stayed at home on Wednesday and foreign banks and most businesses in the capital shut down, in one of the biggest protests against high unemployment, an acute cash shortage and corruption for nearly a decade. Evan Mawarire, a pastor whose social media movement #ThisFlag organised the "stay-away", demanded that President Robert Mugabe fire corrupt cabinet ministers and scrap plans to introduce local bank notes or face a two-day shut-down next week. Wednesday's protest followed violent clashes between taxi drivers and police on Monday that led to the arrest of 95 people. It also coincided with a strike by doctors, teachers and nurses whose salaries had been delayed. A devastating drought has compounded economic hardships including high joblessness while an acute cash shortage has angered Zimbabwe's citizens. In a story quoting John Mangudya, the governor of Zimbabwe's central bank, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday that the African Export-Import Bank was arranging a seven-year loan of $986 million so Zimbabwe could pay back arrears to the World Bank. The FT quoted Mangudya as saying Zimbabwe hoped to pay off its arrears before the September board meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the African Development Bank, paving the way for IMF assistance to alleviate its cash crunch. African Export-Import Bank and IMF officials could not immediately be reached for comment. Campaign attracts thousands The 39-year-old Mawarire started the #ThisFlag campaign in April to protest against corruption, injustice and poverty. The campaign has attracted thousands of followers who have been speaking out against government excesses. Wednesday's protest was organised via Twitter, Facebook and WhatsApp. Mawarire's campaign includes a series of demands: for Mugabe to fire and prosecute "known" corrupt ministers, for government salaries to be paid on time and for police to remove roadblocks which most people say are posts for bribe taking officers. "The ball is in your court," Mawarire wrote on his Facebook page. "We are ready to close down again and this time we will add another day, Wednesday and Thursday. We are not playing and we ask you to take us seriously." Mugabe's spokesman, George Charamba, was not available to comment. State telecoms regulator POTRAZ said in a statement it would arrest people sending "subversive" messages that cause unrest. Mugabe, who has held power since Zimbabwe gained independence from Britain in 1980, was attending a scheduled meeting on Wednesday of his party ZANU-PF's politburo, the party's top executive organ. Party spokesman Simon Khaya-Moyo declined to say whether ZANU-PF would discuss the protests. In the volatile township of Mufakose, to the west of Harare, hundreds of youths barricaded roads to keep people from going to work, witnesses said. More than 40 people were arrested across Zimbabwe for blocking roads and disturbing the peace, said Charity Charamba, a police spokeswoman. Among them was a Belgian tourist held in the resort town of Victoria for unlawful protests, she said, correcting her earlier statement that an Australian had been detained. There was no need to call out the military, Charamba said. "The military is not there because in our assessment, for now, the situation has not deteriorated (enough) to warrant the presence of the military," Charamba told reporters. Local units of Barclays and Standard Chartered shut their branches in central Harare. Clothing retailers Edgars Stores and Truworths closed stores. Siyaso, one of the biggest and oldest informal markets in Mbare township near central Harare, was also shut. Few vehicles were on the roads of the capital. Supermarkets like Pick'n'Pay, Ok Zimbabwe and Choppies reported little business. Government departments were open. Local private media said Zimbabweans in other major cities had also stayed at home, with most businesses closed. Zimbabwe last witnessed such a protest in April 2007. (Reuters)

Zimbabwe shuts down to protest financial collapse

Zimbabwe&#39;s Brendon de Jonge added his name to the list of golfers withdrawing from the Olympics today, as Spain&#39;s Sergio Garcia confirmed he will compete in Rio. 
 
While world number one Jason Day of Australia and Northern Ireland`s Rory McIlroy are among the golfers skipping the Rio Games because of concerns over the Zika virus, de Jonge said his was a &quot;truly a business decision&quot;. 
 
&quot;The reason for my decision is not my concern about the Zika virus. It is truly a business decision,&quot; De Jonge said in a statement to GolfChannel.com. &quot;It would have been a great honour to play for my country.&quot; 
 
De Jonge is currently 160th on the FedEx Cup points list and needs to finish in the top 125 at the end of the season to keep full playing rights. Competing in the Rio Games from August 5-21 would mean missing two PGA Tour events. 
 
&quot;I am truly disappointed, but my current position on the FedEx Cup points list does not allow me the luxury to skip the John Deere Classic or the Travelers Championship,&quot; the 35-year-old added. 
 
&quot;I must finish in the top 125 to gain entry into our FedEx Cup play-offs. This has to be a priority for me and my family.&quot; 
 
De Jonge`s withdrawal means that Zimbabwe will not be represented in Rio, but Spain&#39;s Garcia said he will take up his place as golf returns to the Games for the first time since 1904. 
 
Garcia, 36, wrote on Twitter: &quot;I know there r some dangers but representing Spain, trying to make golf grow &amp; becoming an Olympian r too important so I`ll be at @Olympics.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

Spain's Sergio Garcia said he will take up his place as golf returns to the Games for the first time since 1904

Zimbabwe's Brendon de Jonge added his name to the list of golfers withdrawing from the Olympics today, as Spain's Sergio Garcia confirmed he will compete in Rio. While world number one Jason Day of Australia and Northern Ireland`s Rory McIlroy are among the golfers skipping the Rio Games because of concerns over the Zika virus, de Jonge said his was a "truly a business decision". "The reason for my decision is not my concern about the Zika virus. It is truly a business decision," De Jonge said in a statement to GolfChannel.com. "It would have been a great honour to play for my country." De Jonge is currently 160th on the FedEx Cup points list and needs to finish in the top 125 at the end of the season to keep full playing rights. Competing in the Rio Games from August 5-21 would mean missing two PGA Tour events. "I am truly disappointed, but my current position on the FedEx Cup points list does not allow me the luxury to skip the John Deere Classic or the Travelers Championship," the 35-year-old added. "I must finish in the top 125 to gain entry into our FedEx Cup play-offs. This has to be a priority for me and my family." De Jonge`s withdrawal means that Zimbabwe will not be represented in Rio, but Spain's Garcia said he will take up his place as golf returns to the Games for the first time since 1904. Garcia, 36, wrote on Twitter: "I know there r some dangers but representing Spain, trying to make golf grow & becoming an Olympian r too important so I`ll be at @Olympics." (AFP)

Golf: De Jonge out, Garcia confirms for Olympics

Riot police patrolled through Zimbabwe&#39;s capital Harare on Wednesday as a call for a national strike against President Robert Mugabe&#39;s economic policies closed businesses and crippled the public transport system. 
 
The strike follows days of unrest over the government&#39;s failure to pay civil servants&#39; salaries, a currency shortage, import restrictions and multiple police road blocks reportedly extorting cash from motorists. 
 
Mugabe&#39;s government has delayed pay dates for civil servants as treasury funds run short after years of economic decline, worsened by a severe drought which has hit agriculture. 
 
Zimbabwe spends at least 80 per cent of its revenue on state workers&#39; wages, according to officials, while about 90 per cent of the population is out of formal employment. 
 
There were few people on the streets of the usually bustling capital after civil society organisations called the strike to pressure Mugabe to tackle the economic crisis. 
 
&quot;I can&#39;t go to work when the rest of the country is not going to work,&quot; said Sybert Marumo, who works for an electrical shop. 
 
&quot;Life is tough and we need to show the government that we have been stretched to the limit.&quot; 
 
Children were seen streaming home from school after teachers failed to turn up. 
 
In the south-eastern town of Masvingo, police dispersed protesters who blocked streets with burning tyres. 
 
Telecommunications, including internet and WhatApp services were erratic, but the authorities denied jamming the services to cripple strike plans. 
 
The strike is the latest in a series of protests against Mugabe&rsquo;s government as calls mount for the 92-year-old leader, who has been in power since 1980, to step down. 
 
On Monday, police arrested 113 public transport drivers and their supporters protesting against corrupt police roadblocks, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights said. 
 
Some of those arrested were injured after police set dogs on them, the lawyers said. 
 
Last Friday around 70 people were arrested in Beitbridge town at the border with southern neighbour South Africa during protests over a ban on imports of basic commodities. 
 
&quot;This is a sign of economic collapse which has left people with nothing more to sacrifice and nothing to lose,&quot; said Dumisani Nkomo, spokesman for the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition. 
 
&quot;We are heading towards a tipping point as a country, where citizens will express their pain by any means.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

The government has delayed pay dates for civil servants as treasury funds run short

Riot police patrolled through Zimbabwe's capital Harare on Wednesday as a call for a national strike against President Robert Mugabe's economic policies closed businesses and crippled the public transport system. The strike follows days of unrest over the government's failure to pay civil servants' salaries, a currency shortage, import restrictions and multiple police road blocks reportedly extorting cash from motorists. Mugabe's government has delayed pay dates for civil servants as treasury funds run short after years of economic decline, worsened by a severe drought which has hit agriculture. Zimbabwe spends at least 80 per cent of its revenue on state workers' wages, according to officials, while about 90 per cent of the population is out of formal employment. There were few people on the streets of the usually bustling capital after civil society organisations called the strike to pressure Mugabe to tackle the economic crisis. "I can't go to work when the rest of the country is not going to work," said Sybert Marumo, who works for an electrical shop. "Life is tough and we need to show the government that we have been stretched to the limit." Children were seen streaming home from school after teachers failed to turn up. In the south-eastern town of Masvingo, police dispersed protesters who blocked streets with burning tyres. Telecommunications, including internet and WhatApp services were erratic, but the authorities denied jamming the services to cripple strike plans. The strike is the latest in a series of protests against Mugabe’s government as calls mount for the 92-year-old leader, who has been in power since 1980, to step down. On Monday, police arrested 113 public transport drivers and their supporters protesting against corrupt police roadblocks, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights said. Some of those arrested were injured after police set dogs on them, the lawyers said. Last Friday around 70 people were arrested in Beitbridge town at the border with southern neighbour South Africa during protests over a ban on imports of basic commodities. "This is a sign of economic collapse which has left people with nothing more to sacrifice and nothing to lose," said Dumisani Nkomo, spokesman for the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition. "We are heading towards a tipping point as a country, where citizens will express their pain by any means." (AFP)

Protest strike hits Zimbabwe as pressure on Mugabe grows

A protest by Zimbabwean taxi drivers against a police crackdown turned violent on Monday when residents joined in and hurled rocks at police, who fired teargas to disperse the rioters. 
 
In the last month, Zimbabwe has witnessed spontaneous protests against government corruption, shortages of money and government plans to circulate local bank notes as the southern African nation struggles with a drought and a slowing economy. 
 
Zimbabwean taxi drivers, along with owners of taxi firms, accuse police of seeking to raise money for their operations by imposing hefty fines on their vehicles, which they say impacts on their business. 
 
Police spokeswoman Charity Charamba told reporters that anti-riot police had deployed in two townships outside Harare and arrested 30 people in connection with the violence. 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Police brutality in Harare. Door to door tactic has been adopted now <a href="https://t.co/oX2ho8st8a">pic.twitter.com/oX2ho8st8a</a>
&mdash; Itai Pfungwadzapera (@itaipfungwa1987) <a href="https://twitter.com/itaipfungwa1987/status/749952447444025344">July 4, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
 
Charamba said &quot;all those who are inciting and engaging in violence that such misconduct will be severely dealt with&quot;. 
 
A Reuters witness said taxi operators teamed up with residents in Epworth township, south of central Harare, to attack police with stones. Police fired teargas, beat up protesters and broke down doors at some houses, saying they were looking for organisers of the protest. 
 
In Mabvuku township, to the east of the capital, police fired teargas as taxi operators blocked roads with stones and burning tyres, taxi driver Aaron Mapani said. 
 
Monday&#39;s clashes come days after residents protested in the border town of Beitbridge, 600 kilometres south of the capital Harare, last Friday against restrictions on imports of basic goods from South Africa. 
 
(Reuters)

Police fired teargas, beat up protesters and broke down doors at some houses, saying they were looking for organisers of the protest

A protest by Zimbabwean taxi drivers against a police crackdown turned violent on Monday when residents joined in and hurled rocks at police, who fired teargas to disperse the rioters. In the last month, Zimbabwe has witnessed spontaneous protests against government corruption, shortages of money and government plans to circulate local bank notes as the southern African nation struggles with a drought and a slowing economy. Zimbabwean taxi drivers, along with owners of taxi firms, accuse police of seeking to raise money for their operations by imposing hefty fines on their vehicles, which they say impacts on their business. Police spokeswoman Charity Charamba told reporters that anti-riot police had deployed in two townships outside Harare and arrested 30 people in connection with the violence. Police brutality in Harare. Door to door tactic has been adopted now pic.twitter.com/oX2ho8st8a — Itai Pfungwadzapera (@itaipfungwa1987) July 4, 2016 Charamba said "all those who are inciting and engaging in violence that such misconduct will be severely dealt with". A Reuters witness said taxi operators teamed up with residents in Epworth township, south of central Harare, to attack police with stones. Police fired teargas, beat up protesters and broke down doors at some houses, saying they were looking for organisers of the protest. In Mabvuku township, to the east of the capital, police fired teargas as taxi operators blocked roads with stones and burning tyres, taxi driver Aaron Mapani said. Monday's clashes come days after residents protested in the border town of Beitbridge, 600 kilometres south of the capital Harare, last Friday against restrictions on imports of basic goods from South Africa. (Reuters)

Zimbabwe protests turn violent as taxi drivers and citizens face off against cops

India&#39;s Kedar Jadhav blasted his highest score in Twenty20 internationals as they beat Zimbabwe by three runs in a tense finish to claim the three-match series 2-1 at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. 
 
Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bowl first, restricting the visitors to 138 for six in their 20 overs on a slow wicket as Jadhav top-scored with 58 from 42 balls. 
 
But the hosts battled to keep up with the scoring rate and went into the final over of the match, bowled by Barinder Sran (2-31), needing 21 for victory. 
 
When the first two balls of the over went for 12 runs, a sensational victory appeared possible, but Sran came back well and bowled Elton Chigumbura (16) off the last delivery of the innings to leave Zimbabwe agonisingly short of a series victory. 
 
It was the first time on India&#39;s six-match limited overs tour that they batted first and, after starts for Lokesh Rahul (22) and Ambati Rayudu (20), Jadhav provided the impetus the innings desperately needed as he blazed seven fours and a six. 
 
India&#39;s opening bowlers restricted the run-rate well as Zimbabwe reached 59-2 at the halfway mark of their innings, with Sran going for just 14 in his first three overs and Dhawal Kulkarni ending with figures of 2-23 in his allotted four. 
 
Vusi Sibanda (28 from 23 balls) top scored for the hosts as sevral batsmen made starts but could not match Jadhav&rsquo;s half-century heroics. 
 
India also won 3-0 in the one-day international series that preceded the 20-over games. 
 
(Reuters)

India's Kedar Jadhav provided the impetus the innings desperately needed as he blazed seven fours and a six

India's Kedar Jadhav blasted his highest score in Twenty20 internationals as they beat Zimbabwe by three runs in a tense finish to claim the three-match series 2-1 at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bowl first, restricting the visitors to 138 for six in their 20 overs on a slow wicket as Jadhav top-scored with 58 from 42 balls. But the hosts battled to keep up with the scoring rate and went into the final over of the match, bowled by Barinder Sran (2-31), needing 21 for victory. When the first two balls of the over went for 12 runs, a sensational victory appeared possible, but Sran came back well and bowled Elton Chigumbura (16) off the last delivery of the innings to leave Zimbabwe agonisingly short of a series victory. It was the first time on India's six-match limited overs tour that they batted first and, after starts for Lokesh Rahul (22) and Ambati Rayudu (20), Jadhav provided the impetus the innings desperately needed as he blazed seven fours and a six. India's opening bowlers restricted the run-rate well as Zimbabwe reached 59-2 at the halfway mark of their innings, with Sran going for just 14 in his first three overs and Dhawal Kulkarni ending with figures of 2-23 in his allotted four. Vusi Sibanda (28 from 23 balls) top scored for the hosts as sevral batsmen made starts but could not match Jadhav’s half-century heroics. India also won 3-0 in the one-day international series that preceded the 20-over games. (Reuters)

India beat Zimbabwe by 3 runs in third T20

Mandeep Singh blasted a quick-fire unbeaten half-century as India crushed Zimbabwe by 10 wickets to level the Twenty20 series on Monday. 
 
The result sets up a series decider in the third and final game that will also be played at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. 
 
Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat, but could only muster 99 for nine in their 20 overs as the Indian bowlers strangled the run-rate. 
 
The tourists made short work of their reply, racing to their victory target off 13.1 overs as Mandeep Singh (52 from 40 balls) and fellow opener Lokesh Rahul (47 from 40 balls) put on a century stand. 
 
All the Zimbabwe batsmen struggled to score quick runs in their innings with none managing more than a run a ball. Peter Moor (31 from 32 balls) was the only one to muster any sort of resistance. 
 
Debutant seamer Barinder Sran took for wickets to lead the Indian charge, while fellow paceman Jasprit Bumrah picked up three wickets in his four overs. 
 
India also handed a debut to seamer Dhawal Kulkarni, though he was by far the most expensive of the bowlers as his one wicket cost 32 runs. 
 
(Reuters)

None of the Zimbabwean batsmen managed more than a run a ball

Mandeep Singh blasted a quick-fire unbeaten half-century as India crushed Zimbabwe by 10 wickets to level the Twenty20 series on Monday. The result sets up a series decider in the third and final game that will also be played at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat, but could only muster 99 for nine in their 20 overs as the Indian bowlers strangled the run-rate. The tourists made short work of their reply, racing to their victory target off 13.1 overs as Mandeep Singh (52 from 40 balls) and fellow opener Lokesh Rahul (47 from 40 balls) put on a century stand. All the Zimbabwe batsmen struggled to score quick runs in their innings with none managing more than a run a ball. Peter Moor (31 from 32 balls) was the only one to muster any sort of resistance. Debutant seamer Barinder Sran took for wickets to lead the Indian charge, while fellow paceman Jasprit Bumrah picked up three wickets in his four overs. India also handed a debut to seamer Dhawal Kulkarni, though he was by far the most expensive of the bowlers as his one wicket cost 32 runs. (Reuters)

India beat Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in 2nd T20, level series 1-1

Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat first in the crucial second T20 of the three-match series at Harare Sports Club today. 
 
As far as Playing XI is concerned, India have roped in Dhawal Kulkarni and Barinder Sran in place of Jaydev Unadkat and Rishi Dhawan for the must-win match while the hosts have replaced Mutumbami with Peter Moor.Having lost the first T20 in a thrilling encounter, India will have to win the second match in order to keep the series alive. 
 
Meanwhile, the hosts, who suffered a whitewash in the ODI series, will aim to seal the series.Zimbabwe are currently leading the series 1-0 following their two-run win in the opening T20. 
 
India Playing XI: KL Rahul, Mandeep Singh, Ambati Rayudu, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (captain), Axar Patel, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jasprit Bumrah, Barinder Sran, Yuzvendra Chahal.Zimbabwe Playing XI: Chamu Chibhabha, Hamilton Masakadza, Sikandar Raza, Malcolm Waller, Elton Chigumbura, Peter Moor, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Graeme Cremer, Neville Madziva, Taurai Muzarabani, Donald Tiripano. 
 
(ANI)

Dhawal Kulkarni and Barinder Sran make their debuts, replace Jaydev Unadkat and Rishi Dhawan

Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat first in the crucial second T20 of the three-match series at Harare Sports Club today. As far as Playing XI is concerned, India have roped in Dhawal Kulkarni and Barinder Sran in place of Jaydev Unadkat and Rishi Dhawan for the must-win match while the hosts have replaced Mutumbami with Peter Moor.Having lost the first T20 in a thrilling encounter, India will have to win the second match in order to keep the series alive. Meanwhile, the hosts, who suffered a whitewash in the ODI series, will aim to seal the series.Zimbabwe are currently leading the series 1-0 following their two-run win in the opening T20. India Playing XI: KL Rahul, Mandeep Singh, Ambati Rayudu, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (captain), Axar Patel, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jasprit Bumrah, Barinder Sran, Yuzvendra Chahal.Zimbabwe Playing XI: Chamu Chibhabha, Hamilton Masakadza, Sikandar Raza, Malcolm Waller, Elton Chigumbura, Peter Moor, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Graeme Cremer, Neville Madziva, Taurai Muzarabani, Donald Tiripano. (ANI)

Zimbabwe win toss, ask India to bowl first in second T20

India, powered by seamer Jasprit Bumrah&#39;s 4-22, crushed Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in third and final One-day International (ODI) series whitewash at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. 
 
Zimbabwe made five changes for the third and final ODI, but it made no difference as they were bowled out for 123. 
 
India required less than 22 overs to chase a target of 124, as Lokesh Rahul made an unbeaten 63 and Faiz Fazal marked his international debut with 55 not out. 
 
The two teams begin a three-match Twenty20 international series at the same venue on Saturday. 
 
(AFP)

KL Rahul made an unbeaten 63, Faiz Fazal marked his international debut with a 55 not out

India, powered by seamer Jasprit Bumrah's 4-22, crushed Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in third and final One-day International (ODI) series whitewash at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. Zimbabwe made five changes for the third and final ODI, but it made no difference as they were bowled out for 123. India required less than 22 overs to chase a target of 124, as Lokesh Rahul made an unbeaten 63 and Faiz Fazal marked his international debut with 55 not out. The two teams begin a three-match Twenty20 international series at the same venue on Saturday. (AFP)

India thrash Zimbabwe in third ODI, win series 3-0

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