Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill had a 67-run opening stand before Zimbabwe imposed a slowdown in the mid overs. Gill (66) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (49) joined forces for a 72-run partnership off 44 balls for the third wicket, ensuring India reached 182/4 in 20 overs.
They were also helped by the fact that Zimbabwe's playing field was absolutely sloppy. There were many fielding errors and missed catches, one taken each off Jaiswal and Gaikwad. Some half-chances were wasted, while defenders were slow on most occasions to get to the ball.
“I think it's the fielding again (on where Zimbabwe went wrong in the match). We're very proud of it, but the wheels are coming off again. We give away 20 extra races. We still have problems at the top, but we support the boys. I know they are trying and once they do, we will be good again,” Raza said after he finished the match.
Zimbabwe also fielded a new opening combination as Innocent Kaia is out of form and Tadiwanashe Marumani replaced him in the top game event alongside Wesley Madhevere. The over started well but the duo fell on the powerplay, marking the beginning of a top-notch swing for Zimbabwe.
“We have tried 15 different (opening) partners in a year and a half. There is a lot of cricket in the country. We are trying to do everything. It's time for players, including me, to take responsibility. “I can accept some mistakes from the young team, but the older team must take a step forward,” Raza added.
At the same time, he thanked Brian Bennett and Blessing Muzarabani for being the positives for Zimbabwe through their performances.
“But we need to support them. Bennett is doing well at No. 3. This is the best we have and the best we can do. We have to stop talking about him (Muzarabani) because he has been fantastic. The game always rewards you, it always does,” Raza concluded.
They were also helped by the fact that Zimbabwe's playing field was absolutely sloppy. There were many fielding errors and missed catches, one taken each off Jaiswal and Gaikwad. Some half-chances were wasted, while defenders were slow on most occasions to get to the ball.
“I think it's the fielding again (on where Zimbabwe went wrong in the match). We're very proud of it, but the wheels are coming off again. We give away 20 extra races. We still have problems at the top, but we support the boys. I know they are trying and once they do, we will be good again,” Raza said after he finished the match.
Zimbabwe also fielded a new opening combination as Innocent Kaia is out of form and Tadiwanashe Marumani replaced him in the top game event alongside Wesley Madhevere. The over started well but the duo fell on the powerplay, marking the beginning of a top-notch swing for Zimbabwe.
“We have tried 15 different (opening) partners in a year and a half. There is a lot of cricket in the country. We are trying to do everything. It's time for players, including me, to take responsibility. “I can accept some mistakes from the young team, but the older team must take a step forward,” Raza added.
At the same time, he thanked Brian Bennett and Blessing Muzarabani for being the positives for Zimbabwe through their performances.
“But we need to support them. Bennett is doing well at No. 3. This is the best we have and the best we can do. We have to stop talking about him (Muzarabani) because he has been fantastic. The game always rewards you, it always does,” Raza concluded.
