Southampton (England), July 11: Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak was in optimistic mood even though his team's tour of England ended with a crushing seven-wicket triangular series one-day international defeat by South Africa. Streak once again led from the front, his 50 not out top score in Zimbabwe's meagre 173 for eight after winning the toss in the first international staged at Hampshire's Rose Bowl Ground.
But South Africa, already through to tomorrow's Lord's final against England, easily overhauled that total with more than 14 overs to spare. For Zimbabwe this defeat meant they ended their tour with just one series win to go with their two innings defeats in their Tests against England earlier in the season. Streak, whose own individual performances never slackened despite the pressures on him, admitted, "Losing is always disappointing."
However, Streak was positive about his team's prospects following a tour which some wanted cancelled because of Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe's alleged human rights abuses. Bureau Report