T20 World Cup 2026: Those victories will count for nothing if there’s a slip-up now, says Sikandar Raza

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza has tempered expectations ahead of their crucial clash against Ireland on February 17, emphasising that the message within the dressing room is one of focus rather than celebration. Zimbabwe are coming off a significant 23-run victory over Australia at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, a result that propelled them to second place on the points table.

While the win marked a major statement in their campaign, Raza made it clear that the team remains grounded and committed to maintaining consistency. Having played their opening two matches in Colombo, Zimbabwe will now shift base to Pallekele, a venue known for offering different conditions. The variation between the two grounds could play a key role in team selection and strategy.

Notably, the Australia vs Sri Lanka fixture was scheduled on the same pitch that Zimbabwe will feature on, and Raza acknowledged that his side would closely monitor the contest. Observing how the surface behaves will help the team finalise the remaining aspects of their selection combination.

"I think we never left earth anyway. We know this is just part of the journey and the goals that we set. Those victories we have had so far will count for nothing if there is a slip-up now,” said Raza in a pre-match briefing as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"In my head, the picture will be very clear after I watch the game tonight. We understand the challenges that come with the wicket, the altitude, the travelling of the ball, how the ball comes on all those notes we have made from past experiences,” he added.

Zimbabwe head into their next fixture brimming with momentum, much of which has been built on the relentless performances of their pace attack. Raza was effusive in his praise for Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, and Brad Evans, highlighting that their current success is the outcome of nearly 18 months of experimentation and sustained backing from the cricket board. Raza reserved special mention for Evans, describing him as a valuable addition who has stepped up impressively as the third seamer.

"It has taken us a long time to get the combinations right. We've been on this journey for the last 18 odd months, trying different combinations, and then when we found what we think will help us and suit us in these conditions, we stuck with them for the last nine odd months,” said Raza.

"Brad was injured, but he came back and he has taken those ranks as a third seamer with performances that I don't even think I can sum him up in words because he has been a real [good] addition,” he added.

Raza chose not to dwell too much on the points table, instead focusing on the larger picture and what the tournament represents for his teammates. The Zimbabwe skipper also underlined the personal significance of performing on the World Cup stage. He noted that success in a global tournament is not only about winning matches but also about gaining visibility and recognition.

"ICC events change lives in every way, whether that is recognition, whether that is fame, whether that is financial, respect, whichever way you look at it. So yeah, it is life-changing and hopefully we can keep writing our own history and keep going further than we ever went in our history,” said Raza.