Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza highlighted the importance of team unity and collective culture after his side secured a 99-run victory over Bangladesh in the opening match of the Abu Dhabi ODI Tri-Series on October 17, 2026. The win marked Raza's first as Zimbabwe's ODI captain, coming at Zayed Cricket Stadium after Zimbabwe batted first and posted 271 for 8 in their 50 overs, despite being 24 for 3 early on. Zimbabwe eventually posted 271 for 8 with half-centuries from Brendan Taylor (81) and Craig Ervine (93) before they bundled Bangladesh out for 172 for a 99-run win.
Raza acknowledged the resilience shown by his batsmen during the difficult opening phase and credited his bowlers Wellington Masakadza and Newman Nyamhuri for pulling things back after Bangladesh were off to a strong start in the chase. Brad Evans claimed four wickets, while Raza and Masakadza took two apiece, with Muzarabani and Nyamhuri each contributing one wicket to complete the comprehensive performance.
"We were three down in the first ten overs. It was tough at that time. But credit to Craig Ervine, credit to BT (Brendan Taylor), the way they held the innings together, and then credit to Wellington and Newman, the way they finished the game," Raza said as quoted by Cricinfo.
Raza emphasised that international cricket offers no easy victories and that Zimbabwe's recent success against Bangladesh should not be taken lightly. The captain reflected on the historical context of their rivalry and stressed the importance of respecting every opponent in the format.
"There is no easy game, there is no easy win. 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. 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. We fought well, we understood the conditions well, we adapt well, and I think that's the reason why we won the game," Raza said.
Understanding Abu Dhabi's pitch dynamics
Raza explained that Abu Dhabi's pitch characteristics demand patience and adaptability from players who wish to succeed. The surface offers different challenges at various stages of an innings, requiring batsmen and bowlers to adjust their approach accordingly.
"If you have played enough cricket here and if you look at the data, you will know that Abu Dhabi offers something for everyone. Abu Dhabi wicket will have seam movement for the seamers, there will be a period where batters will score runs, then there will be a period where it starts to turn, slow turn, and then there is a period when it gets flat again. So anybody who is willing to grind out there for a bit longer and ride during the tough times, the easy-period Abu Dhabi always comes," said Raza.
Zimbabwe's strength in unity and team culture
Raza reiterated that Zimbabwe are having a good year on the back of greater unity and improved culture within the team environment. He said the players believed in each other's ability, and most have taken up responsibilities in different stages to pull the team towards winning positions.
"We have utmost faith and belief in everyone's ability. When we have ball in hand, we know everybody who's got a ball in hand can get the job done. When we have bat in hand, regardless of any position, we can win the game from any position. I think if I have to sum it up, Zimbabwe's strength lies as much as all the boys are very skillful, but I think our strength lies in the unity and the culture we have," Raza said.
