Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza thanked the crowd support for the home team at Harare Sports Club, which, he believes, played a crucial role in their win over India in the 1st T20I on Saturday.
"We knew the fans will be there encouraging us. We wanted to make use of the energy while batting, bowling and fielding; and the crowd didn't let us down. The energy was up and kept us going. We felt like we were a team of 12, again," Raza said.
India appeared to be in a commanding position after limiting Zimbabwe to a mere 115 for 9. But the young Indian team faced early setbacks during their chase, which allowed Zimbabwe to protect their lowest total against India in T20Is by bowling the visitors out for 102 to earn a 13-run win.
After the match, Raza emphasized the importance of taking one game at a time and his desire for the team to build upon this historic victory.
"I feel really happy. We got to take one game at a time, got to enjoy this victory, but job's not done. World champions will play like world champions. We have go to make sure we keep upping our game one game at a time," Raza said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
"I don't think it's a 116 wicket, it's not a wicket where you get all out for 103. So credit to the bowlers from both the sides, especially given the sticky conditions in the winter. It's likely to be slower and turn."
The Zimbabwe captain also praised the efforts of his bowlers, who put up a strong fight and contained the Indian batters.
The home team's bowling attack was led by Tendai Chatara and Raza himself, claiming three wickets each. Brian Bennett, who contributed 22 runs off 15 balls, also picked up a wicket. Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani and Luke Jongwe chipped in with one wicket apiece, rounding off a solid bowling performance.
"I told not to care about the result, just wanted to show fight and give the crowd what they wanted. We didn't want to be blown away. We were brilliant in the field. Not perfect, but that shows there's room for improvement," Raza said.
