We've Got Other Goals to Achieve: Raza on Zimbabwe's Super Eights Entry in T20 World Cup 2026

By late evening on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Zimbabwe secured their historic qualification for the Super Eights stage of the Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Defying expectations in a challenging group featuring powerhouses like Australia and Sri Lanka, the Chevrons clinched their spot with emphatic performances throughout the group stage.

The Zimbabwe dressing room was filled with joy, but captain Sikandar Raza quickly tempered the celebrations during the post-match press conference, reminding his team of the bigger picture in this 20-team tournament.

"When Zimbabwe set out, we didn't set a goal just to qualify," Raza said. "We've got other goals to achieve. Yes, Super Eight is clearly a tick in the box, but it's certainly not the whole box we set out for. Everybody remains committed and focused on what's still ahead."

Raza highlighted one of their key objectives: restoring respect and recognition to Zimbabwe cricket. "One of the goals we set out for - without telling you all of them - was to bring more recognition and respect to our country. Whatever has happened in the past has happened, but this group has been together for a long time and we've gone about our business with honesty and integrity towards the game and towards each other. To see people now taking notice of Zimbabwe and speaking about us in a respectful manner is very humbling and pleasing. Hopefully we can keep writing our own history so that when people talk about Zimbabwe cricket, they show a bit more respect," he added.

This remarkable turnaround is the result of nearly two years of dedicated effort. Raza recalled the tough beginnings when the team faced the sub-regional Qualifier B in Kenya. "When we were told we had to play the sub-regional Qualifier B in Kenya, I remember saying to the squad: either we feel sorry for ourselves or we understand the reality - and the reality is it is because of us we are in this mess. And only we can get ourselves out of it," he shared. "We all unanimously agreed. We laid down a plan. We knew there would be bad games and criticism, but if we stayed true to the plan, trusted each other and created a better culture, we'd be fine. To see the result after almost two years is certainly very pleasing."

With qualification secured, Zimbabwe now eyes a potential top finish in their group. However, Raza kept the focus on the immediate challenge: their final group game against Sri Lanka in Colombo on February 19. "We are certainly very humbled, very grateful and very pleased at the same time," Raza noted. "The boys are enjoying it, rightly so, but we've got another game in less than 48 hours, and that includes a travelling day as well. We'll have a little celebration in the changing room, but once we leave, we've got another game to prepare for. Our focus will shift pretty quickly. For now, everybody's happy, honoured and grateful - all those feelings."

Looking ahead, the schedule intensifies with matches against West Indies in Mumbai on February 23, India in Chennai on February 26, and South Africa in Delhi on March 1. Yet, Raza remains grounded: "The only game I'm looking forward to is Sri Lanka in two days' time. After that, we'll look at what's to come. We've made sure we only look at one game at a time and that has served us really well."

Zimbabwe's journey from sub-regional qualifiers to Super Eights contenders exemplifies resilience and team spirit, setting the stage for what could be a memorable campaign in the 2026 T20 World Cup.