Sikandar Raza wants Zimbabwe to stop relying on rescue missions.
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Raza calls for an end to rescues
Zimbabwe’s captain has said that the team “just survived” in the last two games and wants to win.
After losing heavily in the UAE ODI tri-series final to Afghanistan, Zimbabwe’s top order has continually let the team down throughout the series. Raza made it clear after the match that the team cannot rely on continual rescues.
Zimbabwe struggled
In the final, Zimbabwe were bowled out for just 169. Afghanistan chased down the target with ease, winning by seven wickets with 93 balls remaining. Zimbabwe struggled early on, scoring just 26-3 by the seventh over. He played a lone innings, scoring 68.
This collapse was not a new issue. In previous games of the tri-series, Zimbabwe have fallen to 24-3 and 26-3. However, they did make it to the final thanks to a 150-run partnership between Craig Ervine and Brendan Taylor against Bangladesh. He noted that without the rescue, the campaign could have been very different.
Key Statistics
| Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Zimbabwe’s total in the final | 169 |
| Result | Afghanistan won by 7 wickets |
| Balls remaining in chase | 93 |
| Zimbabwe’s score at the 7th over | 26 for 3 |
| Earlier collapses in the series | 24 for 3 and 26 for 3 |
| Raza’s score in the final | 68 |
| Ervine-Taylor stand vs Bangladesh | 150 runs |
| Last ODI win vs Afghanistan | March 2018 |
Key Takeaways
- There was a definite pattern to losing 3 wickets early in the match. He said, “There is definitely a pattern there. It isn’t a bad day.”
- There will not always be successful rescue missions. Raza said, “No team can come in and save an innings every time. As you can see, we are losing early wickets too often.” This puts a lot of pressure on the middle order.
- Afghanistan have not lost to Zimbabwe in an ODI in over 8 years. He admitted this is a bad record and needs to improve.
- The bowling was a positive. The pace attack worked very hard in the stifling heat and humidity. He praised Newman Nyamhuri for his pace and his increasing confidence. Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans bowled their hearts out. Ernest Masuku had a great attitude.
Tactical Insight
The numbers show that once a team has lost 3 wickets in the first 7 overs, the innings is a salvage mission. A target of 169 is not a concern for a good chasing side such as Afghanistan.
The bowlers did well under difficult conditions; however, they cannot defend low totals. If the top 3 start better, it will relieve the pressure off sikandar and the middle order. The bowlers will have something to defend.
What’s Next?
Zimbabwe then have three T20I’s and two Tests against Afghanistan in Sharjah.
- Adapting: Although they have only been in the country for two days prior to the tri-series, He believes they will now be more used to the heat after over a week in the UAE.
- A better battle: Sikandar is hoping for a more intense competition in the remaining matches.
- Winning mindset: “We want to have a side that plays to win.”
FAQs
Who won the final of the UAE ODI tri-series?
Afghanistan won by seven wickets with 93 balls remaining.
How many runs did Zimbabwe score?
They were bowled out for 169 after Raza scored 68.
What did Raza mean by “rescue missions”?
He refers to his team constantly needing to rely on the middle order or one batter to chase down targets after an early loss.
When did Zimbabwe last beat Afghanistan in an ODI?
Over eight years ago in March 2018.
What is next for Zimbabwe?
They have a three-match T20I series and two Tests against Afghanistan in Sharjah.
Who did Raza compliment?
Newman Nyamhuri, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans and Ernest Masuku.
The Final Word
“I felt in the last two matches we’ve been going through the motions… But I don’t want us to go through the motions. I want us to win”, Raza told his team. The team will have to answer his call in the Sharjah series.
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