Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
Zimbabwe stand-in captain Sikandar Raza says the Chevrons may have been outplayed by Australia in the recent One Day International series at Harare Sports Club, but the lessons they picked up from the defeats will be crucial as they build for the 2027 ICC World Cup.
The Chevrons suffered a series whitewash after going down by one wicket to the world ODI champions in an intriguing ending to the three-match contest on Sunday.
Australia were touring Zimbabwe for the first time in 12 years, with the tour coming just a few weeks after Zimbabwe had hosted T20 World champions India for the shortest format.
Raza, who was given the responsibility to lead the side in the absence of injured captain Richard Ngarava, said playing top opposition will only help sharpen their skills.
He said the progress was evident with their batting after managing 235, 272 and 271 runs against a quality side.
“I think we were discussing it. Once upon a time we were maybe getting to the 250, 270-type of score. Now we’re actually getting there.
“I know we have lost, and I know that, but I don’t think Zimbabwe has regressed. I do think we have made some great strides and progress.
“So, from what I have seen, Zimbabwe is in the right direction, and we are progressing. Hopefully, with more ODIs and bigger nations coming to Zimbabwe, our progress will be faster, and that’s what we’re hoping for.
“I think there were a lot of positives and we have progressed. People look at the results, and results are important for all of us, but as a captain with this side we are progressing, and if we keep this fight, this hunger, then I genuinely believe we will win more in the near future than lose,” said Raza.
Zimbabwe lost the first ODI by 59 runs after Australia had set a target of 294/8.
But the bowlers were punished in the second match when Australia piled up a mammoth 356/6 in their 50 overs. Zimbabwe made 272 runs in response, after they were bowled out in 48.3 overs.
But things got better in the third ODI when they batted first and nearly upstaged the world champions.
“I always say that if you don’t have a plan, then learn from the opposition. Aussies have shown us. Three ODIs, three hundreds, three victories. Zimbabwe haven’t scored a hundred. That is one thing for me that I want to be very firm in the changing room: if your top four, one of them gets a hundred, there’s a very good chance you get your team across the line.
“We need to get into a habit of scoring hundreds,” said Raza.
He also picked positives within the bowling after Newman Nyamhuri became the youngest Zimbabwean during the series to grab a fiver in international cricket.
“Newman has taken a five-for, Brad Evans got a four-for, and I know Blessing Muzarabani didn’t take a wicket (in the final match).
“But I thought Blessing was unbelievable; well complimented by the spinners here and there as well.”
Raza rued the missed opportunities to wrap up the game in the third ODI and the shortcomings in managing tense situations.
“Like I said, before the last over we had plenty of chances to close the game, which we didn’t.
“So, those are the little moments. If you look at Aussies, every little moment, every half a chance, they were thorough. Everything was like “we want to win the game,” and I think we can learn from the Aussies. I think that’s why bigger nations should come so that we can learn from them how to close games, how to be clinical.
“I think that’s what I’ve learned and I’m hoping that the whole changing room has learned that as well. Going forward, those are the little things we need to have in place to ensure that we give ourselves the best chance to win,” said Raza.
Australia were touring Zimbabwe for the first time in over a decade. Raza wants bigger opposition in Zimbabwe.
