Zimbabwe all-rounder Sean Williams believes having a plan will be the key when his side takes on hosts Bangladesh in the second match of the three-match ODI series at Sylhet International Stadium on Tuesday. Zimbabwe amid struggle with the squad conceded a heavy defeat to Bangladesh in the first game losing by a record 169 runs on Sunday.
Williams along with middle-order batsman Craig Ervine were unavailable on the day for different reasons and had to watch their team struggle. Zimbabwe’s regular captain Williams believes he could bring some energy and calmness to the team.
“I think being 1-0 down is mentally tough for the guys. It was disappointing yesterday [Sunday] in all aspects. Moving forward, having a plan tomorrow [Tuesday] would be key. Hopefully I can bring a bit of energy and calmness. Craig Ervine is getting there too, so he will be ready to play. I also think good decisions over a long period of time are crucial. Guys like Brendan [Taylor] and [Sikandar] Raza play a massive role in our team. Having them firing is going to be extremely important for us,” said Williams to the media in the sidelines of an optional practice session at SICS.
Opening batsman Liton Das registered his second ODI century as @BCBtigers romped to a comprehensive 169-run win over hapless @ZimCricketv in the first of three matches at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium Sunday.https://t.co/7pdIewemwU#BCBTIGERS #BCB #TIGERS #BANGLADESH #ZC
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) March 1, 2020
The defeat against Bangladesh has exposed the difference between the two teams. Going into the second game of the series, Zimbabwe will be desperate for a win and keep their chances alive in the series. However to do that, the side will have to come back stronger in all three departments that had failed in the first game.
“I don’t think it’s a mental block. I think it is a simple thing of applying ourselves and getting runs on the board. I think our batsmen get in and get out, after getting fifties or sixties. Bangladesh batsmen have got hundreds against us. I think getting hundreds is extremely important, especially from the senior players,” said Williams who joined the side following the first Test.
Williams had opted to leave from the one-off Test against Bangladesh due to personal reason and then was supposed to join the team in Sylhet for the ODI series. Zimbabwe were dominated in the Test losing the game by an innings and 106 runs and it was similar scenes in the first ODI where they could hardly put competition to their opponents.