‘There is no excuse, you can't teach courage’ - Sikandar Raza reacts to humiliating defeat against Sri Lanka

Despite putting up a great show, Zimbabwe lost the first T20I at the hands of Sri Lanka as Dushmantha Chameera picked up a double to help the hosts win. In the second match of the series, the Sikandar Raza-led side staged a great comeback, winning the match by four wickets. However, in the third and final match of the series, the visitors lacked character, as they were bundled out for 82 runs in Colombo.

Skipper Raza was extremely disappointed with the loss and mentioned that the players weren’t courageous enough in the middle. He believes that every cricketer needs to put more effort during practice sessions as he revealed that the players aren’t training as much as they should. He added that the seamers have done well in the series but expects everyone to step up and deliver better in the future.

“52 after 6 and then 82 all-out, there is no excuse. You can't teach courage. We have been either really good and really poor. Have dealt in extremes. When we have been bad, we have been very poor. We have managed to entertain the crowd amidst that as well. I am very big on how we train. A lot of the work is done behind closed doors. We aren't training as much professionally as much we should do. Me, Ervine and Williams had to most overs tonight but that didn't happen. Our seamers, credit to them. They bowled exceptionally on the entire tour,” Raza was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

I am a little concerned about fielding and top-order batting: Wanindu Hasaranga

Sri Lanka faced no problems whatsoever in the second innings, as they chased 83 runs with absolute ease. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis gave the perfect start, while Dhananjaya de Silva played to his merit as the Lankan Lions won the match by nine wickets. Meanwhile, despite the series win, the Sri Lanka skipper is a bit concerned about fielding and top-order batting.

“We did a really good job. We were talking about fielding and batting. The bowlers and fielders did a really good job. In the second game, we saw dew coming in and then we decided we should chase. As a captain, I am a little concerned about fielding and top-order batting,” Hasaranga said after the match.