The most remarkable thing about time and wealth is that they are never fixed – they change. Just when you believe it’s over, magic strikes and surprises you in a way you never expected. Sikandar Raza will agree with this fact.
In 2023, Raza captained Zimbabwe to a five-wicket loss to Uganda in Windhoek, a crushing defeat that saw his team fail to qualify for the 2024 T20 World Cup. This appeared to be Raza’s only real chance to give Zimbabwe glory on the world stage. Raza also suffered a personal loss just months before the start of the T20 World Cup his younger brother died in December at the age of 13. But as life often does, he gave him a beautiful gift in a way that no one could have predicted.
27 months after that painful loss to Uganda, Raza had his moment of triumph, leading to jubilant celebrations with his fans after Tuesday’s game with Ireland. And why not? After the bitter disappointment of missing out last time, Zimbabwe made it to the Super 8 this time and turned sadness into elation.
Raza will be 40 in just three months. Yet his heart remains young and his passion has not diminished as he continues to inspire Zimbabwe at every turn. For many players after 35, thoughts of retirement begin to creep in, but for Raza, it’s like a new lease of life.
His career has blossomed in a way many thought unlikely and he continues to set an example for his teammates at the highest level through aggressive batting, shrewd leadership and a relentless determination that lifts the nation.
LUCK TO THE BRAVE
Zimbabwe advanced to the Super 8s after their match against Ireland in Pallekele was abandoned due to rain. Many may say that Zimbabwe were lucky as the rain helped them while Ireland and Sri Lanka more than beat them. Yes, luck favored them. But they say: fortune favors the brave.
Was Zimbabwe brave? They were more than brave. They were in a tough group that included Sri Lanka and Australia, who were considered favorites to qualify for the Super 8s.
Instead, Zimbabwe secured their Super 8 berth with a game to spare. Zimbabwe were more than brave – they were assertive. They opened their campaign with an 8-wicket win over Oman, but it was the match against Australia that gave them the attention they needed.
Zimbabwe toppled the 2021 champions, bringing back memories of their famous win over the Aussies in 2007 at Newlands in Cape Town. Zimbabwe rocked Australia so thoroughly that they couldn’t recover and ended up crashing out of the tournament.
And it was Sikandar Raza who played a vital role in the victory over the Aussies. It was the captain who put the momentum into Zimbabwe’s innings with a quick-fire 25-run knock. He gave Zimbabwe the momentum going into the second innings after he completed a six off Nathan Ellis off the last ball.
The numbers wouldn’t necessarily scream for Raza so far in the competition as he has scored just 30 runs and taken one wicket in the two matches he has played so far. But he was able to do it when it mattered most and he never failed to lead and inspire his team.
REPENT OR STAND UP
Zimbabwe’s journey to the T20 World Cup has not been easy. They started in the African sub-regional qualifiers in Kenya where they topped the table and proved their point. From there, they progressed to the Africa Regional qualifiers where they faced tough competition at every turn. It was only when they reached the final that Zimbabwe secured their coveted place in the T20 World Cup – a moment that marked a triumph over adversity and a return to the world stage.
The heart of this journey was Sikandar Raza. Looking back, the all-rounder remembered sitting down with the team and straightening out: they could either deal with the setbacks that got them here, or pull up their socks and go after their goal with everything they had.
“I remember the team and I sat down and said either we’re sorry and ashamed or we really understand the reality and the reality is that we’re in this mess because of us and we’re the only ones who can get out of it, so either we all come together and work towards one goal which is to win this tournament, win the qualifiers, get to the World Cup and then write our own history and story,” Raza said.
JOB NOT YET DONE
While much of the focus has been on Zimbabwe’s qualification for the Super 8, Raza doesn’t want to overdo it. He knows the challenges his team faces and understands that a bigger prize awaits. With his goals firmly set, Raza focuses on what really matters.
Raza has won several trophies in domestic T20 leagues, including two with Lahore Qalandars in PSL and titles with Trinbago Knight Riders in CPL and Dubai Capitals in ILT20. But winning the trophy in Zimbabwe colors would be something really special, wouldn’t it?
“I think the Super 8 target was seen by the fans, the media and the public as a minimum requirement. When Zimbabwe went out to play, our aim was not just to qualify – we had other goals in mind and we remain focused on achieving them,” Raza said after the Ireland match.
“Yes, reaching the Super 8 is certainly a tick but it is far from the full picture. This is just one milestone we have achieved; we still have other targets to pursue and everyone remains determined and focused on them,” Raza added.
Zimbabwe have one more match against Sri Lanka in the group stage before reaching the Super 8s and the stakes are high. A win would see them finish the league stage unbeaten and top Group B.
Historically, Zimbabwe have beaten Sri Lanka in three of their 11 T20Is. While the Lankan Lions often dominated, Zimbabwe repeatedly proved capable of bringing them down.
A win in their final league game would give them huge confidence heading into the Super 8s. And who knows – if Zimbabwe push India, West Indies and South Africa to the limit, a semi-final spot could be within reach.
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Published on:
February 18, 2026