CHEVRONS may have fallen to a 3-0 T20I series defeat against India, but all-rounder Ryan Burl believes the Chevrons are making progress by testing themselves against the world’s best and identifying areas for improvement.
India, the reigning T20 World champions, completed a clean sweep after winning the third and final match by 35 runs at Harare Sports Club on Sunday, with Zimbabwe bowled out for 157 for seven while chasing 193.
Burl provided one of the highlights for the hosts, anchoring the chase with an unbeaten 54 off 43 deliveries to register his fifth T20I half-century and surpass the 2 000 run mark in the format alongside teammate Brian Bennett.
The left-hander said his innings reflected one of the team’s key targets of having a top order batter remain at the crease deep into matches.
“It’s obviously nice getting a milestone and nice being there at the end. It’s one of our KPIs according to our blueprint that we have someone in the top four or five be there at the back end,” Burl said.
“I was a little bit disappointed. Obviously it would be nice to finish that with a victory. But we’ve got to take our small wins where we can.”
Despite the disappointment of the whitewash, Burl said facing a quality India side provided valuable lessons as Zimbabwe continue preparations for future global competitions.
“India and cricket, and the likes of them, are always going to be the benchmark. They are number one in the world for a reason,” he said.
“But we’ve also got to do the best we can with what we have. As long as we’re having the honest, realistic conversations and finding game plans along the way.”
The 32-year-old highlighted improvements in Zimbabwe’s bowling department, praising the impact of Blessing Muzarabani, Sikandar Raza, Wessly Madhevere and Bennett during the series.
“It’s obviously really nice to see Blessing. His first couple of overs in all three games were exceptional,” Burl said.
“Raza controlled their batters quite well in the first game. And today, Wesley and even Bennett, that one over that he bowled, they controlled Sooryavanshi quite well there.”
Zimbabwe’s bowlers faced the challenge of containing India’s teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who produced a match-winning 81 in the final game.
Burl described the youngster’s batting as something special to witness.
“From a playing perspective, it looks like the guy is playing PlayStation. Some of the positions he’s getting into, some of the shots he’s hitting, not many other people are doing that,” he said.
“It’s a spectacle. It’s obviously a bit annoying at times because we’re on the receiving end, but he’s a special player. Credit to him. He’s doing some special things at the moment.”
Burl also praised the atmosphere created by supporters during the series, with large crowds of Indian and Zimbabwean fans turning Harare Sports Club into a festival of cricket.
“Fair play to especially the Indian fans that came all the way here. It probably felt like a home game for them,” he said.
“Thanks to all the Zim fans as well that came out. It’s obviously three games in four days, quick and fast. But as players, you want to express yourself and perform when you have a lot more guys out there.”
The Chevrons now shift their attention to the upcoming tri-series against South Africa and Namibia, with Burl insisting the team remains focused on improvement rather than short-term results.
“The one thing I can promise you is we’re not just taking each day as it comes. We are actively working and trying to find ways to be better, especially according to the opposition that we’re facing,” he said.
“This page is going to turn and we’ve got the tri-series to look forward to. The grind never stops.”
With the 2028 T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand already part of Zimbabwe’s long-term planning, Burl said the team was determined to continue building despite the challenges of competing against the world’s leading sides.
“There are positives and there are things that we’ve got to take away from this because that’s what makes us better players and a better team altogether,” he said.
“Right now we are in the present trying to be better.”
