Full name Henry Khaaba Olonga Born July 3, 1976, Lusaka, Zambia Major teams Zimbabwe, Mashonaland, Mashonaland A, Matabeleland Batting style Right-hand bat Bowling style Right-arm fast
Henry Olonga made his Test debut against Pakistan at Harare in 1995 aged 18, becoming the youngest player to play for Zimbabwe. He guided Zimbabwe to its first ever Test win in that very match. A right arm fast bowler, Olonga was the first black cricketer to play for Zimbabwe.
During the 2003 World Cup, Olonga along with teammate Andy Flower protested against the policies of Zimbabwe's government, led by Robert Mugabe, by wearing black arm bands and also issuing a statement on the matter. This led to dire consequences, and not only did it end his cricketing career, it also forced him to flee his country as he faced death penalty in Zimbabwe. However he was lauded for his bravery. He is now an established commentator and an aspiring singer.
Olonga played 30 Test matches for Zimbabwe, and took 68 wickets with a bowling average of 38.52. He also played 50 ODIs, taking 58 wickets at 34.08. He holds the record for the best bowling in a one-day international by a Zimbabwean, with figures of 6 for 19 against England at Cape Town in 2000.
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