There is one essential reason why the West Indies find themselves 21 down with two to play in the One-day series against Zimbabwe.
The glaring truth is that they have been utterly out-played in the last two matches by opponents who have been enlivened, rather than enfeebled, by their several previous reversals.
For many teams, not least Zimbabwe of old, a trio of setbacks such as their failure to clinch the first Test, the collapse to defeat in the second and the thrashing in the first ODI would have been setbacks too psychologically damaging to overcome.
There were even more present reasons to capitulate.
It is their first home series without Andy Flower, the outstanding left-handed batsman who was their talisman since they gained full Test status in 1992. He has railed against the difficult political and economic situation in the country and sought greener, less turbulent pastures in England and Australia.
Brian Lara
Other stalwarts, Alistair Campbell and Guy Whittal, voluntarily gave up the game after the World Cup and Henry Olonga, the fast bowler who was their first black player, became a political refugee after he joined Flower in an anti-government protest during the World Cup in March.
The younger Flower, Grant, as experienced if not quite as prolific as his brother, was ruled out by a thumb broken back in September. Fast bowler Dougie Hondo is still carrying a leg strain.
Not many observers held out much hope for the future of Zimbabwean cricket period, not in this series alone.
Then came the tough tour of Australia where they were predictably beaten but showed the spirit that has come through here.
Stimulated by the all-round leadership of captain Heath Streak, the planning of coach Geoff Marsh, the former Australian opener, and the renewed support of sizeable crowds of all ages and races seeking a positive diversion from their daily problems, this underrated lot has demonstrated the true value of unity and commitment.
Their bowlers, decimated by Chris Gayle and Brian Lara as the West Indies amassed their 347 for six in the opening match, have scarcely had a bad over since.
Streak himself, Andy Blignaut and the miserly left-arm spinner Ray Price have been around for some time. Their qualities were evident from the Test series and all three have risen to the challenge.
The revelations have been Gary Brent and Sean Ervine, two honest, but anonymous, mediumpacers who had been pummelled in the first match, Brent for 61 from 10 overs, Ervine for 75 from seven. In the two subsequent victories, Brent's 15 overs have cost 56, Ervine's 14.2 an equally tidy 55.
In both, Zimbabwe's top-order batting stumbled only for Streak to stride out and stabilise things with the level-headed No.3, Mark Vermuelen. They converted 54 for four in Bulawayo to the required 128 without further loss.
At the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday, they were joined at 85 for four and had a stand of 54 after which Tatenda Taibu, the little keeper and vicecaptain, helped his skipper add 80 unbroken.
They have become more confident and can foresee a famous series triumph. The Harare Sports Club should be filled to its capacity on Saturday and Sunday with 10,000 supporters cheering them on.
It is a test of the West Indies' mettle. If they are to pass it, they must raise their game, just as Zimbabwe have raised theirs.