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Utseya Praises Discipline Of His Side

Monday 19 January 2009

©REUTERS/Andrew Biraj (BANGLADESH) Picture Supplied by Action Images

Zimbabwe captain Prosper Utseya believes his side prevailed in the first One Day International against Bangladesh because they were the more disciplined side.

Ray Price put in a man-of-the-match performance as Zimbabwe overhauled Bangladesh's target of 125 in the final over.

"I think we are a more disciplined side and if we continue to be like that then we should win the series," a defiant Utseya told reporters after the match.

However, he believes that although his side won, there is room for improvement.

"We knew that the wicket would do a little bit especially with the new ball so we needed guys to apply themselves and one batsman in the top four to bat through and others could bat around him. We need the batting to improve. I think we are letting ourselves down in batting I don't think chasing 125 we should be winning by two wickets."

Price revealed that his patient approach was key to his performance after he took four wickets and hit an unbeaten 23.

"You have to be patient at all times in cricket and I am also lucky because of the kind of fielders we have," the off-spinner said. "They make my job a lot easier. I focus on bowling every ball on the off stump.

"And I think I have been an underachiever with the bat. It was very important that we concentrated today. It is important to take it game by game and ball by ball and not get ahead of yourself and play positive cricket.
also I guess the variation"

The second One Day International takes place on January 21st.