Sikandar Raza shared an emotional celebration with Zimbabwean fans after the team advanced to the Super 8 of the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. On Tuesday, February 17, Zimbabwe progressed when their match against Ireland in Pallekele was abandoned due to rain.
Following the match, Raza and his teammates celebrated with pure joy, clapping and cheering alongside the fans. Raza spread his arms to acknowledge the supporters, who responded with loud cheers. The celebrations continued as the team and fans joined in the festivities, with everyone visibly delighted at Zimbabwe securing their place in the Super 8 stage.
In 2024, Zimbabwe failed to qualify for the T20 World Cup after losing to Uganda in the qualifiers. This time, however, they have come out firing, remaining unbeaten in their first three matches.
Raza has pledged to raise Zimbabwe’s flag high for their passionate fans. Supporters have turned out in impressive numbers throughout the tournament, boosting overall attendance, and Raza praised the travelling fans for their energy and for funding many of their own trips.
He expressed hope that this marks the beginning of a growing fan culture, with more supporters following Zimbabwe wherever they play, and vowed that the team will do everything possible to make their fans proud.
“Whichever corner they are sitting at, they will be the loudest. They keep lifting us up. But when we hear them, it gives us energy. These guys have done it out of their own pockets,” Raza said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
“Hopefully, it is the start of many more fans coming in. We will try everything to raise the Zimbabwe flag high. Hopefully, the numbers will increase and hopefully this is the start of a culture of fans going wherever the team plays,” Raza added.
HOW ZIMBABWE HAVE KEPT MARCHING
Zimbabwe have delivered one of the most memorable campaigns of the T20 World Cup, combining strong wins with historic moments. They upset Australia by 23 runs in Colombo, with Brian Bennett top-scoring an unbeaten 64 and Blessing Muzarabani taking four wickets. Earlier, Zimbabwe defeated Oman by eight wickets, marking a comeback after missing the 2024 edition.
Their final Group B match against Ireland at Pallekele was abandoned due to persistent rain. The toss was delayed, and the ground remained under covers. A brief window of optimism when the rain eased was soon dashed, as dark clouds and drizzle prevented play, leaving much of the square still covered.
Sikandar Raza’s Zimbabwe now have an opportunity to finish Group B atop the standings when they take on co-hosts Sri Lanka on Thursday, February 19, at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
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