Utseya Talks Up Preparation For Tri-Series

Utseya Talks Up Preparation For Tri-Series

Prosper Utseya is confident heading into the tri-series.

©REUTERS/Athar Hussain (PAKISTAN) Picture Supplied by Action Images

Zimbabwe captain Prosper Utseya says that his side's recent series against Sri Lanka has given them the ideal preparation for the One Day International tri-series with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

"We have had good preparation," Utseya ahead of Zimbabwe's opening match against Bangladesh on January 10th. "We played against Sri Lanka the world's top two spinners before coming to Bangladesh. The boys have been together for a number of years and there is good team spirit. We are confident of doing well here. We target is to play well and win every match here."

Zimbabwe's last visit to Bangladesh in the 2006/7 season saw them beaten 5-0, coincidentally the same margin of victory registered by Sri Lanka in Zimbabwe earlier this year.

"The guys are more experienced than they were four years ago and playing against Sri Lanka and the best spinners in the world has given us a lot of confidence."

Zimbabwe warmed up with a 195-run win over the Bangladesh Academy side in Bogra and despite being bowled out for 89 in their first innings, Utseya was pleased with how that match went.

"The three-day match gave our batsmen the opportunity to spend some time at the wicket and get used to the conditions. I am happy with the preparations as the batsmen and the bowlers performed and it was especially good for some of the new players."

Zimbabwe (from): Prosper Utseya (captain), Elton Chigumbura, Graeme Cremer, Keith Dabengwa, Hamilton Masakadza, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Christopher Mpofu, Tawanda Mupariwa, Forster Mutizwa, Raymond Price, Edward Rainsford, Vusimuzi Sibanda, Tatenda Taibu, Malcolm Waller, Sean Williams

© Cricket World 2009