Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE captain Sikandar Raza says their stunning win over Australia will count for nothing if they slip up in their final two games.
The Chevrons will take on Ireland in Kandy today before a clash against hosts Sri Lanka on Thursday.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Raza stressed that while the results have drawn global attention, there has been no shift in mindset within the camp.
“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.
“We always knew there’s a next game and that becomes the most important game.
“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 yesterday as part of their build-up, using the session to assess a surface Raza believes presents unique challenges.
“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 pace battery has been central to their strong start, with Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava and Brad Evans consistently applying pressure with the new ball and at the death.
Raza was effusive in his praise.
“They’ve been good for a long time.
‘‘It has taken us a long time to get the combinations right,” he 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.
“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 expressed hope that the seamers’ impact continues deep into 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 are confronting a new form of pressure — the weight of possibility rather than the fear of elimination.
“It’s a lovely position to be in,” Raza admitted.
“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.”
He described ICC tournaments as mentally demanding environments where every match carries knockout intensity.
“The beauty of these ICC events is that every game practically feels like a knockout game,” Raza 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.” — ZimCricket
