Zimbabwe’s Ryan Burl celebrates Australia’s Glenn Maxwell’s goal in Colombo. (AP photo) NEW DELHI: Who will make it to the Super 8s of the T20 World Cup 2026? The most anticipated names – India, Australia, England, Pakistan, West Indies, South Africa, New Zealand and Sri Lanka – dominated the predictions. The USA was even mentioned. Other teams, including Zimbabwe, were largely labeled as “underdogs”.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!However, Zimbabwe shattered that perception. They earned their place in the Super 8s with majestic performances, beating Oman, Australia and Sri Lanka en route and sending a clear message: they are not underdogs.After the 2024 T20 World Cup, while the world speculated about the 2026 edition, Zimbabwe quietly went back to basics. They focused on learning, practicing, planning and pushing hard without noise. The results speak for themselves — Zimbabwe became the “Cinderella” team of the tournament.
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Now Zimbabwe faces another big test. They are placed in a tough Super 8 group with defending champions India, 2024 runners-up South Africa and two-time champions West Indies. In order to reach the semi-finals, they must finish in the top two places of the points table.For Zimbabwean batsman Ryan Burle, this achievement is not just a dream or a statement against their underdogs. “This is the result of a 24-month plan that we created and we are now executing it well,” he said. Their journey reflects strategy, hard work and faith and now the team is ready to take on the giants.“You’re always going to be an underdog when you’re ranked lower,” Burl said TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview.
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“Beating a team that is above you is always special. As underdogs, it motivates us even more because people don’t really expect us to win. So when we do that, it means a lot — for us as players and for our nation.”Zimbabwe dominated the sub-regional qualifiers, facing the likes of Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania with authority. They won the B Qualifier, the Regional Sub-Regional B and finally the Main Qualifier, securing their place in the 2026 T20 World Cup – a dream this team decided not to let go.Burl and the rest of the Zimbabwe team are not celebrating even after impressive performances in the group stage. Their focus has already shifted to the next challenge: executing a new, well-thought-out plan for the Super 8s.“Our success is the result of a carefully crafted plan executed over time. Every player has put in immense hard work. About 18 to 24 months ago, we set a dream and a goal to reach the Super 8s,” he said.“We’ve had our highs and our lows, but throughout we’ve followed clear game plans and plans. The combination of that planning with hard work has gotten us to where we are today.”Zimbabwe last played India during the first round of the 2016 FIFA T20 World Cup.The 2026 edition will open their Super 8 campaign against the West Indies on Monday in Mumbai, followed by a clash with India in Chennai before taking on South Africa in Delhi.“We have to play India, West Indies and South Africa in the Super 8s – three teams who are playing excellent cricket at the moment. India are the defending champions so that’s a challenge in itself but we’re excited about it. We can’t look too far ahead,” said Burl.“We have to take it one game at a time. We’re happy with what we’ve achieved so far, but we have to stay grounded, stay calm and focus on the next hurdle.”
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza (right) and Brian Bennett run between the wickets. (AP photo)
“SIKANDAR RAZA IS A SUPERSTAR”After Zimbabwe secured their place in the Super 8, captain Sikandar Raza made a low-key entrance to address the media. He greeted everyone with a simple “Hello everyone” followed by a warm smile.“The fact that we qualified for the Super 8s didn’t change the ultimate goal we set for ourselves. Like I said, it’s just ticking a box, but we’ve got a lot of other goals to achieve and everyone likes an underdog story, right?” Raza said, reflecting on the achievement.Burl credited Sikandar Raza for instilling fire and belief in every player, motivating the team and pushing them towards their big dream.“To be honest, he’s a legend in his own right and deserves all the accolades. He’s a superstar. He’s worked extremely hard throughout his career,” Burl said.“As a teammate and a brother on the field, it was very special to play alongside him. The team really buys into what he says. Combined with the leadership and guidance of coach Justin Simmons, that has been a fundamental part of our success.”Zimbabwe entered the Super 8 stage of the FIFA T20 World Cup after their crucial Group B clash with Ireland was washed out by rain. The result was the elimination of former champions Australia and Ireland from the tournament.
