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Zimbabwe's Raza Warns: Past Wins Mean Nothing If We Slip Up Now

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza has emphasized that his team's recent impressive victories, including a famous win over Australia, will be meaningless if they fail in their upcoming crucial match. He stressed that every game, starting with their final group-stage clash against Ireland, is a must-win for their Super 8 ambitions. Raza revealed that the current squad combinations are the result of an 18-month journey of experimentation. Zimbabwe enters the match second in Group B with strong momentum from two wins.

Key Points: Sikandar Raza's Warning to Zimbabwe Ahead of T20 WC Clash

  • Zimbabwe upset Australia in group stage
  • Must-win match vs Ireland for Super 8
  • Squad combinations finalized after 18-month journey
  • Team is second in Group B behind Sri Lanka
2 min read

"Victories so far will count for nothing if there is slip-up now": Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza ahead of T20 WC clash against Ireland

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza says recent victories, including over Australia, will count for nothing if they slip up in must-win T20 World Cup match vs Ireland.

"Those victories we have had so far will count for nothing if there is a slip-up now. - Sikandar Raza"

Pallekele, February 16

After pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the ongoing T20 World Cup by beating Australia, Sikandar Raza urged that Zimbabwe's recent victories will mean nothing if they slip up now.

Raza stressed that every upcoming game, especially the next against Ireland, is a must-win for their Super 8. Raza spoke to reporters on the eve of his side's final group-stage match against Ireland.

"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," Raza said.

Zimbabwe enter their next game with momentum, having won two of their two group-stage matches, including a win over Australia. They will face Ireland on Tuesday and play their final group-stage match against Sri Lanka on Thursday.

Raza stressed that these combinations in the Zimbabwe squad took 'a long time' and they've been on this journey for the last 18 months, trying different combinations.

"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," Raza added.

Zimbabwe defeated Oman in their tournament opener by 8 wickets, while defeated Australia by 23 runs, and are placed second in Group B behind Sri Lanka. On the other hand, Ireland ranks fourth with a win in their three group-stage fixtures.

Ireland Squad: Tim Tector, Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker(w/c), Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Joshua Little, Craig Young, Benjamin White, Benjamin Calitz, Sam Topping.

Zimbabwe Squad: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani(w), Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza(c), Dion Myers, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Ben Curran, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
What a humble and mature statement from the captain. This is the mindset of champions. Beating Australia was fantastic, but the real test is consistency. All the best to Zimbabwe from India! 🙏
A
Aman W
As an Indian cricket fan, I love seeing associate nations do well. It makes the World Cup more exciting. Zimbabwe's win over Australia was epic, but Raza knows the job isn't done. Don't slip now!
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Sarah B
Respectful criticism: While the sentiment is good, I feel they are putting too much pressure on themselves by calling every game a "must-win". That can backfire. Just play good cricket.
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Vikram M
The journey of 18 months he's talking about shows proper planning. In India, we often chop and change too quickly. Zimbabwe's patience is paying off. Hope they qualify for Super 8s!
K
Karthik V
Ireland is no pushover. They have beaten big teams before. Zimbabwe needs to be careful. Raza's leadership will be key. Exciting match coming up! 🏏

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