Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza has urged his team to improve its batting approach and avoid repeated top-order collapses after a disappointing seven-wicket defeat against Afghanistan in the ODI tri-series final in Sharjah.
Zimbabwe struggled once again with the bat, losing three wickets for just 26 runs inside the seventh over before being bowled out for 169 in 43.3 overs. Afghanistan comfortably chased down the target in 34.3 overs, finishing with seven wickets and 93 balls to spare.
Raza, who top-scored for Zimbabwe with 68 runs, admitted that the team's repeated reliance on middle-order recovery efforts had become a major concern throughout the tournament.
Raza Criticises Repeated Batting Collapses
Zimbabwe's top order struggled in all three of their matches in the tri-series. They were reduced to 24 for 3 in seven overs in one match, 26 for 3 after 7.1 overs in another, and 26 for 3 again in the final.
Their qualification for the final was largely driven by a crucial 150-run fourth-wicket partnership between Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine. Brian Bennett's 31 in the previous match against Afghanistan was another notable contribution, but consistent performances from the top order remained elusive.
Raza said Zimbabwe could not continue putting themselves under pressure by losing early wickets.
"The one thing we need to get right is that Zimbabwe cannot be 24 for 3 every game. This thing has been hurting us," Raza said.
He also recalled the advice of former Zimbabwe coach Lance Klusener, who had often described the team's batting efforts as repeated "rescue missions".
"The beauty of a rescue mission is not every rescue mission will be successful. I feel like that's exactly what we've done in this series, and that's where we've got it wrong," Raza added.
The Zimbabwe captain also acknowledged his team's poor recent record against Afghanistan, noting that they had not beaten their opponents in an ODI since March 2018.
Fast Bowlers Earn Raza's Praise
Despite the disappointing result, Raza praised Zimbabwe's fast bowlers for their efforts in the challenging heat and humidity of the UAE.
He singled out young pacer Newman Nyamhuri for his pace and potential, encouraging him to focus on bowling fast rather than worrying about the runs conceded.
Raza also praised Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans for their commitment throughout the series, while highlighting Ernest Masuku's positive attitude.
The captain said the performances of the pace attack were among the few positives Zimbabwe could take from the ODI campaign, even though the bowlers did not always receive the support needed from the batting unit.
Zimbabwe Hope for Better Results in T20Is and Tests
Zimbabwe will now turn their attention to three T20 internationals and two Test matches against Afghanistan in Sharjah.
Raza believes the team's extended stay in the UAE should help the players adapt better to the local climate. Zimbabwe arrived shortly before the start of the ODI series and struggled with the demanding conditions during several matches.
With more time to acclimatise before the T20I series, the captain hopes his players will be better prepared physically and mentally.
"We will be better equipped with the climate. That would allow us to perform better," Raza said, expressing hope that the upcoming T20I and Test series would be more competitive.
Raza Wants Zimbabwe to Fight for Wins
Reflecting on the ODI campaign, Raza admitted that Zimbabwe had failed to compete effectively in their last two matches and stressed that simply turning up was not enough.
He made it clear that the team needed to show greater determination, improve its batting consistency and convert its opportunities into victories.
Zimbabwe's immediate challenge will be to address the recurring top-order failures and deliver stronger performances in the upcoming formats as they look to bounce back against Afghanistan.
