Sikandar Raza remembers a time when Bangladesh regularly got the better of Zimbabwe. Their recent meetings, however, tell a different story, with Zimbabwe winning three of the last four ODIs between the sides. Yet the stand-in captain insists the shift in fortunes has not made Bangladesh an easy opponent.
“There was a time when Bangladesh probably beat us out of eight games maybe six times, and I’m sure they would say the same thing that it wasn’t easy,” Raza said after Zimbabwe’s 99-run victory over Bangladesh in the opening match of the tri-nation series in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
“So the fact that we have won three out of the last four ODIs does not mean it’s easy. Brother, it’s international cricket, no win comes easy, and I would not disrespect Bangladesh or for that matter any other country by calling it an easy win.”
The victory marked Raza’s first as Zimbabwe’s ODI captain. He also became the sixth Zimbabwean bowler to reach 100 wickets in the format.
Bangladesh still hold the overall advantage in the ODI rivalry, having won 52 of the 85 meetings, compared with Zimbabwe’s 33 victories. But the recent trend has favoured the African side, which has won three of the last five encounters.
Raza credited his team’s ability to handle the conditions and fight back after an early collapse for Saturday’s result.
“We fought well, we understood the conditions well, we adapt well, and I think that’s the reason why we won the game,” he said.
Zimbabwe were in trouble at 24 for three after Bangladesh made early inroads with the ball. Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine then turned the innings around with a 150-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Taylor scored 81, while Ervine fell seven short of a century, making 93, as Zimbabwe finished on 271 for eight in 50 overs.
Raza also reached his ODI milestone with the ball as Zimbabwe put themselves in a strong position.
Bangladesh’s reply lacked a similar recovery. They were bowled out for 172 in 33.4 overs, losing by 99 runs despite their bowlers’ promising start.
Bangladesh will next face Afghanistan in Sharjah on October 21 as they seek to keep their hopes of reaching the tri-series final alive.
