Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
ZIMBABWE captain Richard Ngarava (pictured) has challenged his side to maintain their intensity and discipline as they seek to wrap up the three-match One Day International (ODI) series against Bangladesh in today’s second encounter at Harare Sports Club.
The Chevrons head into the match holding a 1-0 advantage after securing a hard-fought 25-run victory in the opening ODI, leaving them just one win away from clinching a series triumph over Bangladesh.
Despite the encouraging start, Ngarava insists Zimbabwe cannot afford to ease off, warning that the tourists are likely to return with greater determination.
“It’s good to be 1-0 up, but the job is not done yet. We know Bangladesh will come back stronger, so we have to be ready,” said Ngarava.
Zimbabwe’s success in the first match was built on disciplined bowling and relentless pressure, qualities the captain believes will be crucial once again if the hosts are to complete the job.
“The biggest thing for us is to stick to our processes. We did a lot of things right in the first game, but there are still areas we can improve,” he said.
The left-arm seamer believes Zimbabwe’s bowling attack will again play a pivotal role in determining the outcome, with consistency and discipline remaining central themes in the dressing room.
“As a bowling unit, we just want to keep building pressure and taking wickets. If we do that consistently, we’ll give ourselves a good chance,” he said.
Ngarava also dismissed any suggestion that the opening victory has altered Zimbabwe’s approach, emphasising that the squad remains fully focused on the challenge ahead.
“The confidence in the camp is high, but we are not getting ahead of ourselves. Every game is a new challenge,” he said.
A victory in the second ODI would hand the Chevrons an unassailable series lead and secure the trophy with a match to spare, while extending the team’s encouraging progress under coach Justin Sammons. Bangladesh, meanwhile, face a must-win encounter as they seek to keep the series alive after falling short in the low-scoring opener.
