The Sunday Mail
A day after celebrating their first away Test win in 17-years, Zimbabwe cricket team players were back in the nets in preparation for the second and final game against Bangladesh.
It was a clear gesture that the Chevrons are determined to net this series; a first since their 2001 feat also achieved in Bangladesh.
The second and final Test starts today in Dhaka and if Zimbabwe go on to win this match it will be the country’s third away series win since the aforementioned one and Pakistan in 1998.
Speaking to The Sunday Mail Sport last week, player-of-the-match of the first Test Sean “Willo” Williams said they are keen to bag the series.
“I know the guys are happy and they know that it’s not over yet,” he said. “It’s always a good feeling when you win, especially after such a long period of time.
“It’s a relief, I am sure the feeling will be even better if we manage to win the series as that would be the ultimate goal going forward.
“Some guys are off in the grounds training while some have opted to rest. We know well that it’s not going to be easy, but this win has brought us closer together as we have been through so many ups and downs.
“It’s good to see smiles on all our faces, but still there is a lot of hard work to be done before the first ball is bowled,” he said.
The 32-year-old left-hander believes Zimbabwe will employ the patient approach that worked well in the first Test.
“I am pretty certain that it will be the same plan: less risk shots, longer periods of time at the crease, things will come, and partnerships are key as well as time. Hopefully we can get through this next Test and give it everything we have,” said Williams, whose 88 off 173 balls in the first innings proved pivotal.
Williams is enjoying a good run of form in all formats.
He was Zimbabwe’s best batsman in the T20 series against South Africa in October, averaging 31 in the two-match series, and 27,33 in the subsequent three-match ODI series.
He went on to achieve a career best 129 not out in the third ODI against Bangladesh after scoring 47 and 50 not out in the preceding ODIs against that side.
“A lot of hard work goes into preparations for games like this, so to take the opportunity that is presented is a big thing.
“I just started working a little harder and actually putting fear aside in training and I focused more on the things that I needed to do and practiced it every day and just didn’t stop even if it was tough or if I failed I just kept on going, I want to be better and make a difference and that has been my biggest goal when I put on Zim colours.”
Williams said winning had brought the team closer.
“The senior guys play a really crucial role in keeping the guys together as friends, as a team and as one. That clearly showed in this Test match on the field, young guys got the opportunity and the backing and belief from them and they did what was required.
“Now they have the experience and know what it takes, but this has to be a more consistent thing, not only in the national team but throughout the entire structure of Zimbabwe,” he said.
