Thomas Draca Exclusive: Hardik Pandya, ‘special’ pendant and T20 World Cup dream
“As far as we have achieved, it is just a tick in the box and not the whole field. There will be a little celebration but then we focus on the next game. It is just a little tick in what we set out to achieve,” Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza said.Zimbabwe missed out on the 2024 edition and became the seventh team to qualify for the Super 8s, completing Group G1 alongside India, South Africa and the West Indies. They will conclude their league engagement against co-hosts Sri Lanka on February 19.Group G2 includes Sri Lanka, England, New Zealand and either Pakistan or the USA, with matches scheduled in Colombo and Pallekele.“Me and the coach, we will sit down, we have data on them (Sri Lanka) and we will try to win that match. The qualification has not changed our ultimate goal,” Raza said.“Everybody likes underdog stories. Every state we’re in, if we have a day or two to train, we try and learn those conditions. We train, try and assess the conditions, see previous matches (at this venue) and try to put together a good game of cricket.”With Sri Lanka (6) already through to the Super 8s, the match brought high stakes for Zimbabwe (4) and Ireland (2). Australia, also on two points after losses to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, needed Zimbabwe to lose their remaining matches to stay alive, but relentless rain dashed those hopes.The toss at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium was delayed due to drizzle and despite brief optimism, persistent showers and a soggy pitch proved unplayable, confirming Zimbabwe’s progress.However, Zimbabwean supporters braved the weather to celebrate, singing and dancing in the stands.“Whichever corner they sit in, they will be the loudest. They keep lifting us up. But when we hear them, it gives us energy,” Raza said.“These guys have done it out of their own pocket. Hopefully this is the start of many more fans coming. We will do everything to keep the Zimbabwean flag flying high.”“Hopefully the numbers will grow and hopefully this is the start of a culture of fans going wherever the team plays,” he added.