Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza believes that simply beating Australia and reaching the Super Eight stage is not enough. He insists that his team aims to continue making an impact. After missing the 2024 T20 World Cup, Zimbabwe has returned with determination to perform well in the current tournament.
They will play Sri Lanka in their last Group Stage match before heading to the Super Eight, where they will face West Indies, India, and South Africa. Zimbabwe has won against Oman and Australia, while their match with Ireland was canceled due to rain. They finished the group with five points, securing second place and a spot in the next round.
“When Zimbabwe set out, our goal wasn’t just to qualify. We have other goals to achieve and we remain focused on that. Yes, the Super Eights is a tick in the box, but it’s not the whole box,” Raza stated.
Raza admitted that the main aim is to earn respect for Zimbabwe through their play. He noted that past issues are now irrelevant, and the current team is committed to reaching their full potential. According to him, Zimbabwe is gaining recognition internationally, and Cricket discussions should involve respect for the nation.
“One of the goals we set was to bring more recognition and respect to our country. What happened in the past is done, but this group has bonded well and conducted themselves honestly and with integrity in the game and with each other. That’s what we aimed for,” Raza mentioned.
“Seeing the media and others placing Zimbabwe in a respectable light is humbling and gratifying. It’s one of the goals we wanted to achieve, and hopefully, we can continue writing our own history. Next time when people talk about Zimbabwe in cricket, they will show more respect. That would be nice,” he added.
