Legendary Zimbabwe cricketer and former captain Heath Streak has passed away at the age of 49 after a battle with colon and liver cancer. Streak died in the early hours of Sunday at his farm in Matabeleland.
Streak was Zimbabwe’s leading wicket-taker in Tests with 216 wickets in 65 matches. He also took 239 wickets in 189 ODIs. As captain, he led Zimbabwe to their first ever Test win over India in Harare in 2001.
Cricketing World Mourns Death of Streak
The cricketing fraternity expressed sadness at the untimely demise of Streak. Indian batting great Sachin Tendulkar said Streak was a remarkable all-rounder with great bowling skills and fielding abilities. Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, himself a cancer survivor, called Streak one of the nicest people he had met in cricket.
Deeply pained to learn of Heath Streak's demise. While he was a big, muscular & strong guy, his agility and deceptive bowling, combined with his fielding prowess, were truly remarkable. The cricketing fraternity will feel his absence. Rest in peace, Heath. pic.twitter.com/gbD43rTz5K
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) September 3, 2023
At the 1996 Cricket World Cup, Heath Streak produced a brilliant delivery to get the prized wicket of Sachin Tendulkar. Streak cleanly bowled the legendary Indian batsman with an unplayable inswinging yorker that knocked over Tendulkar’s stumps. It was a memorable moment where Streak outfoxed one of the game’s all-time greats with his supreme bowling skills.
32 Days to Go: #ICCWorldCup2023!
Heath Streak bowled an exceptional delivery to dismiss Sachin Tendulkar during the 1996 World Cup.#HeathStreak #CWC2023 #WorldCup2023 pic.twitter.com/Y2Opnw3ptw
— Lakshminarayana (@LnMedikonda) September 3, 2023
Streak’s wife Nadine penned an emotional tribute, calling him the greatest love of her life and a wonderful father. Zimbabwe Cricket chair Tavengwa Mukuhlani said Streak’s death was a sad day for Zimbabwe and cricket, hailing him as an inspirational figure who raised the country’s flag high.
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Career Highlights
- Played 65 Tests, 189 ODIs between 1993-2005
- Took 216 Test wickets, 239 ODI wickets
- Captained Zimbabwe in 68 ODIs
- Led side to wins over India and South Africa in 1999 World Cup
After retirement from international cricket in 2005, Streak served as coach for Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Scotland and county side Somerset. In 2021, he was banned by ICC for breaching anti-corruption code by disclosing inside information.
Streak’s academy in Bulawayo was renamed Zimbabwe Youth Academy after the ban. He spent his final months at his family farm in Matabeleland. The cricket world has lost a legendary all-rounder and great ambassador of the game.
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Yuvraj Singh
Really sad news of the passing away of Zimbabwe’s legendary cricketer #HeathStreak. Having fought my own battle with cancer, I know the strength it takes.
He was one of the nicest guys I encountered along my journey and an even stronger human being.
My prayers for the… pic.twitter.com/d637dVcSWA
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) September 3, 2023
VVS Laxman
My heartfelt condolences to #HeathStreak’ s family and friends.
He was a fierce competitor and led Zimbabwe admirably.
May God give strength to the bereaved family. pic.twitter.com/70DVhtEJTk— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) September 3, 2023
Harbhajan Singh
Heath Streak was not only a great cricketer but a fabulous gentleman also. With his demise and that too at such a young age, cricket world has lost a gem. My deepest condolences to his family and fans. May his pious soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/0T8ILFKuGi
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) September 3, 2023
Dinesh Karthik
Tragic reminder of how fickle life can be, as cricket legend Heath Streak's demise saddens the world of cricket. Just a few years back we worked together for KKR and now the news of his demise shocks me.
RIP 🙏— DK (@DineshKarthik) September 3, 2023
KKR
A sad day for the cricket fraternity. Rest in peace, Heath Streak. 🕊️
Our thoughts & prayers are with his family. #RIPHeathStreak pic.twitter.com/FBAb5utWab
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) September 3, 2023
Virender Sehwag
Sad to hear the passing away of #HeathStreak. He was a prominent figure in the rise of Zimbabwe cricket in the late 90’s and early 2000’s and very competetive.
Heartfelt Condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/52WUCZ259O— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 3, 2023
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