Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
THE Chevrons’ emphatic march into the T20 World Cup Super 8 on Tuesday has ignited a wave of celebration at home and abroad, with fans, franchises, sponsors and cricket personalities flooding social media with congratulatory messages.
What began as a spirited campaign on the field quickly turned into a heart-warming moment off it especially for Ryan Burl.
Not so long ago, the Zimbabwean cricketer took to X to say: “Any chance we can get a sponsor so we don’t have to glue our shoes back after every series”.
The post was accompanied with pictures.
A flood of responses popped up on his timeline.
Then Puma Cricket came along with sponsorship saying “Time to put the glue away, I got you covered…”
Fast forward to Tuesday afternoon, under the euphoria of the Chevrons storming into the ongoing T20 World Cup Super 8 @Sportkeeda pulled up Burl’s post to say:
“An emotional journey — from asking for a sponsor for his shoes to being part of Zimbabwe’s Super 8 squad in the T20 World Cup 2026. 🥹♥️
“Ryan Burl’s story is truly inspiring.”
The Chevrons made it into the Super 6 stage without balling a ball after scheduled match with Ireland was called off due to rains.
The side has posted two wins against Oman and stunning Australia along the way.
On Thursday they face Sri Lanka.
It was a full-circle moment for Burl, from a candid plea about gluing shoes to standing tall on cricket’s grand stage as part of a history-making Zimbabwe side.
On his part, Burl showed gratitude to his sponsor.
“It’s been an absolute honor to have @pumacricket with me along the way! Thank you 🙏🏼” he posted.
The Chevrons’ resurgence has not gone unnoticed beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
Several international cricket sides also took to X to congratulate the team for their spirited performances so far.
For instance, Lahore Qalanders said:
“Congratulations to Captain @SRazaB24 for leading his team into the Super-8s 💪🏼
“We are proud of you, champ!”
The message was directed at skipper Sikandar Raza, whose leadership and all-round performances have been central to Zimbabwe’s charge.
From heartfelt sponsor stories to global recognition, the Chevrons’ Super 8 qualification has become more than just a cricket milestone but it is a celebration of resilience, belief and a team rewriting its narrative on the world .
