Sikandar Raza shared an emotional celebration with Zimbabwean fans after the team advanced to the Super 8 of the Men’s World T20 2026. On Tuesday, February 17, Zimbabwe advanced when their match against Ireland in Pallekele was abandoned due to rain.
After the match, Raza and his teammates celebrated with pure joy, clapping and cheering along with the fans. Raza spread his arms to acknowledge the supporters who responded with loud cheers. The celebrations continued as the team and fans joined in the celebrations, with everyone visibly delighted that Zimbabwe had secured their place at the Super 8 stage.
Ireland vs. Zimbabwe T20 World Cup highlights
In 2024, Zimbabwe failed to qualify for the T20 World Cup after losing to Uganda in the qualifiers. This time, however, they fired back and went undefeated in their first three games.
Raza vowed to fly the Zimbabwean flag high for their passionate fans. Fans turned out in impressive numbers during the tournament, boosting the overall attendance, and Raza praised the traveling fans for their energy and for funding many of their own trips.
He expressed hope that this marks the beginning of a growing fan culture with more supporters following Zimbabwe wherever they play and promised the team would do everything to make their fans proud.
“Whichever corner they sit in, they will be the loudest. They keep lifting us. But hearing them gives us energy. These guys have done it out of their own pocket,” Raza said at the post-match ceremony.
“Hopefully this is the start of many more fans coming. We will do our best to fly the Zimbabwean flag high. Hopefully the numbers will grow and hopefully this is the start of a culture of fans going wherever the team plays,” Raza added.
HOW ZIMBABWE ARE PROGRESSING IN THE T20 WORLD CUP
Zimbabwe have produced one of the most memorable T20 World Cup campaigns, combining strong wins with historic moments. They upset Australia by 23 runs in Colombo, with Brian Bennett top-scoring an unbeaten 64 and Blessing Muzarabani taking four wickets. Zimbabwe had earlier beaten Oman by eight wickets, marking a comeback after missing out on the 2024 edition.
Their final Group B game against Ireland in Pallekele was abandoned due to persistent rain. The throw was delayed and the ground remained under cover. A brief window of optimism as the rain eased was soon dashed as dark clouds and drizzle prevented play, leaving much of the square still under cover.
Sikandar Raza’s Zimbabwe now have an opportunity to finish Group B on top of the table when they take on co-hosts Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Thursday, February 19.
T20 World Cup | T20 World Cup Schedule | T20 World Cup Points Table | T20 World Cup Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
February 17, 2026