New Zimbabwe
30 November 2011
Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor has been named Cricketer of the Year at the annual CBZ Bank Zimbabwe Cricket Awards 2011.
Taylor, named captain in June, also scooped the Croco Motors Batsman of the Year award, while Keegan Meth was named the South African Airways Bowler of the Year.
Taylor played three Test matches in the 2010/11 season, scoring 358 runs at an average of 71.6 runs with his highest score being 117 in the Test match against New Zealand at Queens Sports Club, making that his second century for the season.
His highest score in ODIs was an unbeaten 145 against South Africa in 2010. From the 27 ODI matches he has played, Taylor scored a total of 1096 runs – including four centuries – at an average of 45.66.
Brian Vitori was rewarded for his explosive entrance into top flight cricket with two awards on the night. He was named Tour Africa Rookie of the Year and Interfin Bank Most Promising Cricketer of the Year.
Vitori made his international cricket debut in August 2011 in Zimbabwe’s return match to Test cricket against Bangladesh in Harare. In just two Test matches, he claimed five wickets at an average of 48 runs – with a personal best of four wickets for 66 runs in the match.
He took two consecutive five wicket hauls from his debut ODI matches against Bangladesh, helping Zimbabwe win both matches and ultimately the series 3-2.
Matabeleland Tuskers were the most decorated franchise of the year after being named Castle Franchise Team of the Year and the Best Administered Franchise.
They were also officially presented with the Castle Logan Cup title and had two of their team members winning awards as well. Team coach Dave Houghton was named the Afdis Coach of the Year while, and Meth Bowler of the Year.
Sports Minister David Coltart officiated at the awards, while the United States ambassador to Zimbabwe Charles Ray was guest of honour.