THE Chevrons will approach their second Test against hosts Bangladesh starting on Monday with their tails up after the famous win in the first Test that concluded in Sylhet on Wednesday.
Zimbabwe’s national cricket team side nervously chased down a winning target of 174 in their second innings after a six-wicket haul by Blessing Muzarabani had left the Tigers on the ropes.
Skipper Craig Ervine admitted that they were a bundle of nerves as they starred at victory, but they have gained confidence after crossing the line.
“We are really confident after winning a Test match knowing that you can get over the line,” he said.
“We have to reassess in Chittagong. Our mindset is going to be extremely crucial, especially after winning in Sylhet.”
Ervine told journalists after the match.
Zimbabwe recorded a 3-wicket win to take a 1-0 lead in the two matches series.
They will be looking to complete a series win by clinching the Chittagong contest.
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Zimbabwe last won in Bangladesh in 2018, but this win was such a nervy one.
“The change room is going to be nervous. We are not familiar being in these sort of positions, chasing in the fourth innings,” Ervine said.
“It was more nerves of wanting to get over the line, wanting the win more than anything else.”
Muzarabani was the main instigator of this win after taking 6 for 72 in the second innings to lay the platform as Bangladesh were bowled out for 255 with a lead of 173.
“We wanted to get early wickets. Getting Shanto out as early as that in the first over, was great for us. I thought the way Bless started was outstanding. He gave us the opportunity to put the squeeze on. Jaker Ali played a really good role at the bottom end,” Ervine added.
“We expected there to be a little bit of grass. We saw that in the game against Sri Lanka (last year). Looking at the history in Sylhet, there is a possibility of preparing turning wickets.
“We saw a bit of grass in the few days of practice here. We weren’t too sure how it was going to play. We felt that seamers would play a big role in it.”
Added Ervine: “Blessing was our strike bowler in this Test match. I was giving him short bursts. I thought Richie [Richard Ngarava] and Vicky [Victor Nyauchi] had important roles holding the attack.
“Welly [Wessly Madhevere] bowled well too. In between those spells, it was important not to leak too many runs. When Blessing came back and bowled in the majority of his spells, he caused a lot of problems.
“I think he’d (Blessing) be up there. He has the experience through red ball and playing various leagues. He has the mindset. He has shown his ability. I am really excited to see where he goes in his career in all formats.”
He said that the more Tests they play, they will get better by the day.
“The smaller teams want to play good hard Test cricket against tough opposition. That’s the only way you will improve as a team.”
After Bangladesh, Zimbabwe have historic tour of the United Kingdom for a one off four day Test.
In the winter, there are Tests lined up against South Africa and New Zealand in Bulawayo as well as a T-20 tri series against the same opponents in Harare.
