'We've got other goals to achieve' - Raza after ZIM's Super Eights entry

KANDY – By late evening on Tuesday, Zimbabwe were officially through to the Super Eights of the Men's T20 World Cup 2026. It was a historic moment for a side that was expected to be also-rans in a group that involved Australia and Sri Lanka. But they overcame the format in emphatic fashion and earned their place in the next round. The mood in the Zimbabwe dressing room must have understandably been joyous but captain Sikandar Raza stressed that there was more for his team to achieve in this 20-team tournament.

"When Zimbabwe set out, we didn't set a goal just to qualify," Raza said in the post-match press conference. "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."

"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.

Zimbabwe's exceptional journey in this tournament, where they even have a chance of finishing as their group toppers, has been in the making for nearly two years. "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," Raza said.

"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," he added.

From such lows to the current highs, Zimbabwe are expectedly joyous. But Raza pulls back a touch as they head into 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 said at the post-match press conference. "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."

Beyond that game, Zimbabwe will have more travel and shorter turnaround time as they face West Indies in Mumbai on February 23, then head to Chennai to go up against India on February 26 before playing South Africa in Delhi on March 1. Raza is not getting ahead of himself or letting his team indulge in looking too far into the future.

"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," Raza said. – Cricbuzz