A quick chat – Sikandar Raza says Zimbabwe’s journey really starts from the World Cup and that the team is carrying the momentum forward, with belief being the biggest change in the side. He notes that a year ago they would find themselves in similar positions and let the game slip, but wins have shifted the team culture and now they believe they can win from any situation. On the conditions, he explains that winter wickets in Harare play very differently to summer ones, with 250 being par as moisture stays in the surface and makes the first 25 overs tricky before scoring gets easier. He adds that the wicket feels soft and the ball isn’t coming on, so he tries to build a partnership because that is what the team needs, even if it goes against his natural game, and he is a bit disappointed not to carry on. Raza gives credit to Ben Curran for showing real fight after a tough first game, saying Curran is determined and will do this for Zimbabwe for a long time, and he is also thrilled with how Brad Evans finishes the innings. He concludes by thanking the crowd, saying their songs keep the team going even when the game drifts and the lights come on, and that support goes a long way.
