'Everyone loves an underdog story': Sikandar Raza warns other teams after Zimbabwe stun Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup

Following their stunning win over Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza expressed team's bold ambition to challenge the tournament's heavyweights and extend their fairytale campaign in the T20 World Cup 2026. This sense of purpose was first ignited after a rained-out fixture against Ireland secured their Super 8 qualification, prompting Raza to famously note that 'everyone loves an underdog story'. Zimbabwe is only the fourth team in the ongoing tournament after India, South Africa and West Indies, who are yet to be beaten.

Sikandar Raza has big ambitions for Zimbabwe amidst fairytale T20 World Cup campaign

The team's momentum reached a new peak on Thursday as they finished the group stage with an unblemished record. By securing a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Zimbabwe officially claimed the top spot in Group B.

Despite the excitement surrounding their unbeaten run, Raza maintained a grounded perspective regarding the path ahead. While he openly admitted that reaching the semi-finals is a primary goal, he emphasised a disciplined, 'one game at a time' approach.

“We take one game at a time. We arrive on 21st, and then train on 22nd, and then it is show-time. Whatever happens, happens. If we can win two out of three games, who knows what can happen. Everyone loves an underdog story,” Raza said in the post-match presentation.

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Sikandar reflected on how Zimbabwe successfully defied the odds against Sri Lanka, particularly since very few observers had given them a realistic chance of victory. Heading into Thursday’s contest, the toss was widely regarded as the most decisive factor, given that the chasing teams had lost all four previous matches held at the venue.
However, the skipper ensured his squad remained undeterred after losing the toss and being asked to field first. Rather than succumbing to the pressure of the daunting statistics, Zimbabwe approached the pursuit with exceptional clarity and composure. By successfully overhauling the target, they dismantled the prevailing narrative regarding the venue's conditions.

To win everyone's hearts and respect is Sikandar Raza's goal

Raza emphasised that while external factors like the toss and pitch conditions often dominate pre-match discussions, they ultimately become secondary if a team executes its plans effectively. He insisted that playing high-quality, fundamental cricket is the only true way to overcome such statistical hurdles and secure a win.

“We keep our sights forward. If I keep our eyes on the present, I don't think anyone gave us a chance. To win everyone's hearts and respect, it is a good position to be in. When we lost the toss, all I said to the boys was if we are truly playing good cricket, why does the toss matter,” Raza concluded.

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Zimbabwe faces a rigorous path forward in the Super 8 stage, beginning with a high-stakes encounter against the West Indies at Wankhede Stadium on February 23. This opening fixture will test their mettle against a powerhouse opponent in one of cricket’s most iconic venues.