Raza urges Zimbabwe to ‘throw the first punch’ against Australia

Harare, 14 September 2026: Sikandar Raza wants Zimbabwe to “throw the first punch” against Australia as the hosts prepare to test themselves against one of world cricket’s leading sides in a three-match ODI series at Harare Sports Club.

The series begins on 15 September, with the remaining matches scheduled for 18 and 20 September at the same venue.

Speaking ahead of the opening match, the Zimbabwe captain said his side could not afford to allow Australia time to settle into unfamiliar conditions.

“It is very important that we hit the ground running and throw the first punch, rather than allow opposition to get into the game and understand our conditions and work it out before we can,” Raza said.

Zimbabwe enter the series with the advantage of playing on familiar surfaces and in front of their own supporters, something Raza believes could provide an important lift.

“Playing at home gives us that extra push and in front of our own fans certainly gives us that extra kick that we need, that we can achieve something,” he said.

While Zimbabwe have positive memories from some of their recent encounters with Australia, Raza insisted previous results would have little bearing on the coming series.

Instead, the captain sees the three matches as an opportunity for Zimbabwe to measure their progress against elite opposition.

Raza thanked Zimbabwe Cricket and Cricket Australia for arranging the series and stressed that regular matches against stronger nations were essential if Zimbabwe were to close the gap on the leading sides.

“The lower-ranked teams can only bridge that gap by playing against the top-ranked teams,” he said.

“If we keep playing ourselves, then we will never know how our progress is. So, it’s really nice that Aussies are here and it’s really nice that we have this series.

“This series will present a great opportunity for us to find out about ourselves, where we are or how far we are. Or can we compete? Should we compete? How well did we compete against the world champions?”

For Raza, Zimbabwe’s broader ambition extends beyond winning individual matches. He wants the national side to establish itself as a team that commands greater respect internationally.

“We all know that when we put on the jersey, we want to earn the respect and the seat at the high table for other countries to pay attention to Zimbabwe,” he said.

“That’s where the aim is for us.”

Zimbabwe have named an experienced squad for the series, with Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor and Graeme Cremer among the senior players alongside Raza.

The captain was particularly strong in his defence of Zimbabwe’s experienced campaigners, saying their contribution went well beyond performances on the field.

“There should be no doubt about the quality that Graeme and Craig and BT bring to the changing room,” Raza said.

He highlighted Taylor’s influence on younger members of the squad, saying his experience and guidance remained important to Zimbabwe’s development.

“It’s not just about his runs that matters in the changing room. It’s how he speaks to the younger boys, the value he has in their lives, the guidance he gives them.

“All those things go a long way.”

Raza also expects Zimbabwe’s batting approach to reflect the evolution of the modern limited-overs game, although he believes ODI cricket still requires greater adaptability than simply attacking from the outset.

He said conditions and the nature of the opposition would determine how Zimbabwe approached each innings.

“Sometimes you win an ODI by grinding for too long rather than try and look for those big shots,” he said.

“We just have to find the best way on a particular wicket with the condition that presents itself, with the bowling and the batting attack that the opposition had.

“But I think because of the T20 and the skill level as well, I think you should and you would hopefully see that boys are a lot more brave in their approach. And they’re looking to take the game on smartly.”

Raza also called on Zimbabwe supporters to turn out in numbers during the series, describing them as an important part of the side.

“They have been very loyal through thick and thin. We’ve gone through some rough patches, but they’ve always been there,” he said.

“They’re the real 12th man.”

Raza believes supporters can see the direction Zimbabwe are trying to take despite occasional frustrations with results.

“We are going through some sort of a process, and I know the results could be frustrating at times as well, but they know that we are on the right track,” he said.

“They know we are trying. They know we’re trying to achieve something in group and play a different brand of cricket so that we can match the intensity of world cricket.”

Zimbabwe squad:

Sikandar Raza (c), Ben Curran, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Brendan Taylor, Brian Bennett, Craig Ervine, Ernest Masuku, Graeme Cremer, Innocent Kaia, Newman Nyamhuri, Ryan Burl, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Wessly Madhevere.

Australia v Zimbabwe ODI series:

First ODI: 15 September, Harare Sports Club

Second ODI: 18 September, Harare Sports Club

Third ODI: 20 September, Harare Sports Club