KANDY, Sri Lanka — Zimbabwe will seek to extend their perfect start at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 when they face Ireland at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, with captain Sikandar Raza urging his side to remain grounded after consecutive wins over Oman and Australia.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Raza said there had been no shift in mindset despite the attention generated by the victories.
“I don’t think we ever left earth anyway, because we know this is just part of the journey we came on and the goals we set,” he said.
Zimbabwe briefly celebrated their win over Australia with traveling supporters and family but quickly turned their attention to Ireland.
“We always knew there’s a next game and that becomes the most important game,” Raza said.
“Hopefully we get a good result and then the next game becomes the most important game.
“The victories we’ve had so far will count for nothing, especially if there’s a slip-up now.”
Zimbabwe trained at Pallekele on Monday, assessing conditions Raza described as distinct from other venues.
“We’ve had a look at the wicket. We understand the wicket in Kandy is slightly different,” he said.
“We understand the different challenges that come with the wicket – the altitude, the travelling of the ball, how the ball comes on – and the notes we’ve made from past experiences.
“In my head, the picture becomes clearer the closer we get to the game.”
Zimbabwe’s fast bowlers have driven the early success, with Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava and Brad Evans applying sustained pressure with the new ball and at the death.
“They’ve been good for a long time. It has taken us a long time to get the combinations right,” Raza said.
“We’ve been on this journey for the last 18-odd months, trying different combinations, and when we found what we think will help us and suit us in these conditions, we stuck with them.”
On Evans, Raza added: “Brad was injured, but he came back and has taken on that role as a third seamer with performances I don’t think I can even sum up in words.
“He has been a real addition – a great addition – to our bowling line-up.”
Raza said he hopes the seamers can sustain their form throughout the tournament.
“I’m praying and hoping they will keep having more success as the tournament goes on,” he said.
With a Super Eight place within reach, Zimbabwe face a different kind of pressure.
“It’s a lovely position to be in,” Raza said.
“Fine, we’ve had two results. Fine, the world is talking about Zimbabwe. It’s great.
“But let them do all the talking for us. The next game becomes the most important game.”
Raza described ICC tournaments as mentally demanding.
“The beauty of these ICC events is that every game practically feels like a knockout game,” he said.
“It’s great for our mental toughness and growth as well – how well we handle our own expectations rather than what the world wants from us.”
He also reflected on the broader significance of performing on cricket’s biggest stage.
“ICC events change lives in every way – whether that’s recognition, fame, financial reward or respect,” Raza said.
“Once you do well, irrespective of which country you represent, you get recognition and everything that comes with it.”
Zimbabwe are aiming to build on their progress.
“Hopefully we can keep writing our own history and go further than we ever have before,” Raza said.
“That means we’ll achieve what we want to achieve and get more recognition and the respect we’re here for.”
Continuity has been central to Zimbabwe’s resurgence.
“We have stuck with the same side for a long time,” Raza said.
“Once we identified that these are the boys who are going to take us forward, the selection panel, the board and the captain took a lot of stick at times as well.
“But we knew this group of boys is the way forward.”
Clear roles have brought stability.
“Now the roles are clear to everybody – whether you’re a bowler, a batter, a finisher, top-order or middle-order,” Raza said.
“Once you have that clarity, I think it calms us.”
Zimbabwe face a tight schedule in Sri Lanka’s demanding conditions.
“The advantage is that when you’re winning, the flow is there and you want to play again and again,” Raza said.
“The disadvantage is that in these conditions the body doesn’t recover as well.”
He added: “Playing in these ICC tournaments is not just about the battle of skills.
“It’s also about the conditions, the weather and the travelling. There are pros and cons, and it’s happening to every team.”
And on scheduling, Raza offered a simple preference.
“We would just prefer to keep winning.”
