Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza has thanked Zimbabwe Cricket for hosting the three-match T20I series against a top team like India, stating that playing against a top nation like India helps Zimbabwe in growing their game.
Notably, Zimbabwe suffered a 35-run defeat to India in the third and final T20I of the series as they went down by 0-3 in the three-match series. Raza, while speaking in the post-series presentation ceremony, praised the youngsters who stepped up during the series.
“A lot of them (takeaways), to be honest with you. I think, firstly, well done to Zimbabwe Cricket for hosting these fixtures because if you do not play against the top nations in the world as a country, we can’t grow,” Raza said after the game.
“And I think world cricket is much better when all the countries are playing good cricket. So the learnings from this series will certainly help us bridge that gap between the top nations and the slightly lower-ranked nations because I feel like cricket is a lot more entertaining when everybody is playing really well,” he added.
“And for us, the biggest learning is the experience that we have had. Nyamhuri has certainly been a great addition to the side as well. Marumani taking on the number six and seven role. Madhevere has had some decent runs. So, there’s a lot of good things that I can think of. So, very happy,” he stated.
On the other hand, Raza had a tough series with the willow in had, including a golden duck in the final T20I of the series. Raza has opened up on his batting form with a touch of humour as they next play a tri-series in Namibia.
“Certainly try and buy a run for myself. That will be the first thing I look at. No, the team has held themselves really well without my contributions. But as a leader, I know where I falter and what I need to do,” he noted.
“And I still need to be leading this team from the front with everything that I do. But very happy with how the team has gone about its business without me scoring runs. Hopefully, when I start contributing, I’ll add a lot more to the team’s success. And I’m pretty sure those runs are around the corner,” he concluded.
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