Sports Correspondent
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza has expressed his disappointment with the team’s attitude and application after the Chevrons surrendered their three-match T20 International series against Afghanistan, losing the second match by 19 runs at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Despite producing a magnificent unbeaten century, Raza could not prevent Zimbabwe from falling to their second consecutive defeat, handing Afghanistan an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
The Zimbabwe skipper scored 106 not out off 56 deliveries, including five fours and nine sixes, as the Chevrons finished on 202/5 while chasing Afghanistan’s imposing total of 222.
However, Raza was more concerned about his team’s conduct during Afghanistan’s innings, particularly after the hosts suffered a disastrous start.
Afghanistan were reduced to 5/4 inside the opening overs, putting Zimbabwe in a commanding position to restrict their opponents to a modest total.
But Azmatullah Omarzai and Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai turned the contest around with a remarkable partnership, allowing Afghanistan to recover and post 221/7 in their 20 overs.
Omarzai smashed a sensational 116 off 50 balls, while Ahmadzai contributed 52, leaving Zimbabwe with a daunting chase.
Speaking after the match, Raza said the complacency he witnessed among some of his teammates was particularly painful and would need to be addressed in the dressing room.
“The toughest part to swallow for me was the complacency from our boys,” Raza said.
He added that some players appeared to have underestimated Afghanistan’s ability to recover, potentially believing the hosts would finish with a total of around 130 or 140 runs.
Raza stressed that matches are never decided until the final delivery and called on his teammates to demonstrate greater mental strength and personal responsibility.
He also questioned the mentality of players who appeared to expect others to take responsibility for turning the game around.
The Zimbabwe captain, however, praised the supporters who continue to follow the national team despite its struggles against Afghanistan.
Raza’s century was supported by debutant Tafadzwa Tsiga, who remained unbeaten on 31 off 23 balls as the pair put together an unbroken 120-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
Zimbabwe had earlier struggled at 82/5, leaving Raza with too much to do in the closing stages.
The victory extended Afghanistan’s remarkable dominance over Zimbabwe in T20I bilateral series, with the Afghans securing their eighth successive series win against the Chevrons.
Zimbabwe had also lost the opening match by 37 runs after failing to chase Afghanistan’s 177.
The two sides are scheduled to meet in the third and final T20I on Sunday, November 1, with Afghanistan already assured of the series victory.
The final encounter presents Zimbabwe an opportunity to restore some pride and address the concerns raised by their captain as they seek to build greater consistency ahead of future international assignments.
