‘The Next Game Is the Most Important’: Sikandar Raza Urges Focus as Zimbabwe Eye Third Straight Win at T20 World Cup
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza has dismissed suggestions that his side could be carried away by their explosive start at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, insisting the team’s mindset has not shifted despite global praise.
Following successive victories over Oman and Australia, Zimbabwe have become one of the tournament’s early talking points. But Raza says the noise outside the camp has not changed anything within it.
“I don’t think we ever left earth anyway. This is just part of the journey we came on and the goals we set,” he said.
While the squad allowed themselves a brief celebration with supporters after defeating Australia, Raza emphasised that the focus quickly returned to business.
“We always knew there’s a next game and that becomes the most important game.”
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A Different Kind of Pressure
With momentum building and a Super Eight place within reach, Zimbabwe are now navigating unfamiliar territory — expectation.
“It’s a lovely position to be in,” Raza admitted. “Fine, we’ve had two results. Fine, the world is talking about Zimbabwe. It’s great. But let them do all the talking for us,” Raza admitted.
Rather than fearing elimination, Zimbabwe are now dealing with the weight of possibility — something Raza appears to welcome.
“The victories we’ve had so far will count for nothing, especially if there’s a slip-up now,” he cautioned.
The captain’s message is clear: success means little without consistency.
Backing the Bowlers, Backing the Process
Raza reserved special praise for Zimbabwe’s pace unit — Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava and Brad Evans — describing their form as the result of patience and long-term planning.
“They’ve been good for a long time. It has taken us a long time to get the combinations right,” he said.
Zimbabwe have spent the past 18 months testing different combinations before settling on what Raza believes is the right balance for these conditions.
The consistency, he suggested, is not accidental — it is the product of deliberate planning.
More Than Just Wins
Beyond points and standings, Raza reflected on what ICC tournaments represent for players from emerging cricket nations.
“ICC events change lives in every way — whether that’s recognition, fame, financial reward or respect,” he said.
For Zimbabwe, this campaign is about more than results. It is about legacy.
“Hopefully we can keep writing our own history and go further than we ever have before. That means we’ll achieve what we want to achieve and get more recognition and the respect we’re here for,” Raza said.
If Zimbabwe continue on this path, the headlines may grow louder. But if Raza has his way, the mindset will remain the same.
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The post ‘The Next Game Is the Most Important’: Sikandar Raza Urges Focus as Zimbabwe Eye Third Straight Win at T20 World Cup appeared first on iHarare News.
