Harare 11 August : Zimbabwe star Sikandar Raza, who was the of the Player of the Series in the ODI and T20I series against Bangladesh has described his performance of his young players in the absence of senior players as the biggest benefit from the series’ victories.Zimbabwe triumphed in the ODI and T20I leg, recording their first T20I series win against Bangladesh and also their first ODI victory in nine years of playing them over the course of the series.
In the absence of regular ODI skipper Craig Ervine, all-rounder Sean Williams as well as fast bowlers Tendai Chatara and Blessing Muzarabani, Zimbabwe handed out five debuts in the six matches, and fielded a total of 17 players in the ODIs.
“From the perspective of a team the biggest benefit is the sheer number of youngsters who participated in this tournament.” Raza said.
“Some of our big names were not present.
We don’t play lots of games but the new players performed well too.Tony (Munyonga) was an excellent cameo.Victor (Nyauchi) bowled extremely impressively in the three gamesplayed, Brad (Evans) played well and Clive (Madande) displayed an indication of the best.
“All the top players are absent because of injuries.There hasn’t been any rests for anyone.We are trying to establish an attitude of winning in the changing rooms.
We have been complaining about Zimbabwe not playing lots of games, and now that we’re getting games, we were not thinking of taking a break,” he added.
Raza took home Raza was named the Player of the Series in the ODIs and T20Is after he scored back-to-back hundred in the ODIs, and half-centuries in the first two T20Is.
However, he chose to highlight the performances of his teammates as well.
“One man can’t win cricket matches, not even ODIs in any case.
The unheralded hero that no one talks about is Luke Jongwe.He played the ball in difficult circumstances every time, he has bowled well.He also batted well.He had a fantastic appearance in the first ODI.” the all-rounder told reporters.
“You claim you’re focusing on me however my attention is on the guys who have performed well, but not being mentioned.
Luke, Tony, Clive, Victor, Bradley, who won the double-wicket (in the third ODI).).these things are a blow to the opposition’s backs,” he added.
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