Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo
THERE was a time not so long ago when the silence around Zimbabwe Cricket hurt more than any defeat as the Chevrons, once a proud competitor on the world stage, missed out on the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
It was a painful reality for a nation where cricket is woven into its fabric from childhood. It felt as if a piece of national pride had been misplaced, seeing Uganda and Namibia take up slots ahead of Zimbabwe.
The Chevrons were the only Full Member nation that missed out on the global showpiece co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States of America (USA).
With confidence fragile, and critics loud, Zimbabwe Cricket set out on a path to rebuild, and instead of excuses, there was belief and hope that pride will once again be restored and the players refused to abandon the dream.
Building up to the regional qualifiers for the 2026 T20 World Cup, captain Sikandar Raza made it clear that, there should be no excuses and Zimbabwe should be back where they belong, at the top with the best in the world and with a committed coaching stuff led by Justin Sammons and with the board fully behind the team, they managed to secure a place at the global showpiece in India and Sri Lanka.
After a turbulent past few years, the Chevrons went all out and made history, qualifying for the Super Eight, in the process, eliminating former champions Australia.
It was a proud moment not just for the players, or the coaching staff or cricket fans in and out of Zimbabwe, but for all Zimbabweans at large.
Raza shared an inspirational message with his team after their abandoned game against Ireland, one which confirmed their qualification into the next stage.
“All I will say is, from a captain’s point of view, how incredibly honoured to lead such a wonderful group of boys. We set out on a journey close to 18-20 months ago and I cannot thank you enough for buying into all those things Justin Sammons and the rest of the technical staff and myself asked.
“Also, along the way, you have made a lot of sacrifices, a lot of ups and downs, a lot of criticism and a lot of praises. But, at least in the change room, we have stuck together as a team and it became a safe space for all of us to become who we are.
“Honestly, I cannot thank you enough, but having said that, Super Eight was part of our goal but it wasn’t the ultimate goal. While I am okay with you guys enjoying, once we leave this change room, its less than 48 hours for our next game, let us not take our sight off from the main target and as far as I am concerned and I know I speak for everyone, Super Eight Feelings, once you leave this change room, it’s done and dusted. Let people talk about our Super Eight qualification. It is part of the achievement that we wanted to achieve and there is a bigger achievement,” said Raza.
The all-rounder added: “So boys, what I am requesting is to make sure we keep our sights on the ultimate goal that we set out for. It will bring honour and respect to our country. When the world talks about Zimbabwe from now on, we set out for that goal, they must talk with respect.
“We have to keep fighting for that respect. Our countrymen must be 30 feet tall when anybody talks cricket with them, our families, and fans all around the world. For that to happen, we need to make this sacrifice.”
Zimbabwe needed everything to work in their favour at the tournament and things did. ZC leadership’s decision to rope in Windies legend Courtney Walsh as a bowling consultant is paying dividends with the team’s three seamers all on song.
Blessing Muzarabani picked up seven wickets in two matches, including career best figures of 4 /17 against Australia, the best bowling figures for Zimbabwe at the Men’s T20 World Cup and also the best figures against a Full Member.
Bradley Evans had six scalps in two matches as well while Richard Ngarava had three from one game.
With the bat, Brian Bennett has been sensational, as expected, scoring an unbeaten 48 in the first match against Oman and an unbeaten half century against Australia.
They say catches win matches and the Chevrons have been clinical in the field, evidenced by two stunners from Bennett and Tony Munyonga. The duo produced catches of the tournament contenders and credit also has to go to the fielding coach Stuart Matsikenyeri.
As pointed out by Raza, the fight continues and the Chevrons are scheduled to face the West Indies (on Monday), India (on Thursday) and South Africa on March 1 in the Super Eights.
Following their Super Eight achievement, Zimbabwe have since got automatic qualification to the 2028 T20 World Cup to be co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia.
At the moment, the Zimbabwean flag is back where it belongs at the top of the stage in global cricket. From doubt to belief, the Chevrons are once again back on the rise with the T20 World Cup a major stepping stone for bigger achievements.
Bongani Ndlovu