Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE captain Richard Ngarava has challenged his side to maintain their intensity and discipline as they look to wrap up the three-match ODI cricket series against Bangladesh at Harare Sports Club today.
The Chevrons head into the contest with a 1-0 advantage after claiming a hard-fought 25-run victory in the series opener, putting them within one win of sealing the ODI series.
Despite the winning start, Ngarava insists Zimbabwe cannot afford to relax, warning that Bangladesh will return with renewed 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 victory in the opening match was built on disciplined bowling and sustained pressure, qualities Ngarava wants his team to reproduce.
“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 once again be central to the team’s chances, with consistency rather than complacency the key message 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 changed Zimbabwe’s mindset, saying the squad remains firmly focused on the task 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 the series with a match to spare and continue the team’s encouraging progress under coach Justin Sammons.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, face a must-win encounter to keep the series alive after falling short in the low-scoring opener.
