FURTHER evidence of Zimbabwe's decline unfolded this week as Sri Lanka bowled them out for 67 in a one-day international at Harare a couple of days after an ICC fact-finding group had completed an inspection of the state of the nation's cricket.

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This was 10th lowest international one-day total anywhere if excluding countries such as the United States and Canada, and it was just as well Zimbabwe skated past the all-time lowest score of 35, their own 'record' set in Harare against Sri Lanka four years ago. Ajantha Mendis did the damage this time with four wickets.

A three-person ICC panel, led by the West Indies Board president Dr Julian Hunte, finished their three-day mission on Wednesday and are to make recommendations on "how Zimbabwe can return to playing Test cricket", according to an ICC statement from Dubai. Judging by the start of the one-day series against Sri Lanka, the time will be never.

The ICC mission -- Hunte, Arjuna Ranatunga and the ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat -- looked at the management and development of the game in Zimbabwe and assessed the effect of policies and programmes so far.

They carried out a detailed inspection of the cricket administration, facilities, resources and capabilities in this impoverished country, including all areas contained in the Full Member guidelines.

Hunte is due to make recommendations to the ICC Board at the January 2009 meeting, including constructive strategies and initiatives to assist Zimbabwe to improve its cricket in all respects.

CHARLIE SAYS: The ICC might suggest some appropriate prayers for a country ravaged by the Mugabe regime.