Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza, Zimpapers Sports Hub
Chevrons captain Sikandar Raza says successive series victories have transformed the team’s belief ahead of the opening T20 International against Bangladesh at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo today.
The Chevrons enter the three-match series on the back of a dominant home campaign in which they crushed Bangladesh by an innings and 85 runs in the one-off Test before sealing the ODI series 2-1.
The results followed Zimbabwe’s impressive Super Eight appearance at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where they claimed notable victories over Australia and Sri Lanka.
Raza believes those performances have instilled confidence that Zimbabwe can compete with any opposition.
“After the World Cup, I think the Test win and the ODI series win have given us a bit more belief that, regardless of which nation we play, we can win against any nation,” said Raza.
“Suddenly that adds a lot of happiness and, most importantly, confidence into the camp.”
Zimbabwe now turn their attention to the shortest format seeking to extend their dominance over a Bangladesh side forced into changes after injuries and player absences.
Regular captain Litton Das is unavailable, leaving Towhid Hridoy to lead the tourists, while left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Bangladesh have, however, recalled fast bowler Taskin Ahmed to partner pace spearhead Nahid Rana in a strengthened attack.
Despite Bangladesh’s setbacks, Raza expects a fiercely contested contest.
“It is quite nice to be going into a T20 series against a very good Bangladesh side. We are really excited and looking forward to it,” he said.
“I am pretty sure it is going to be a very exciting series. Expect some fireworks and, most importantly, very entertaining cricket.”
Zimbabwe have retained the core of the squad that reached the T20 World Cup Super Eights and will rely on the momentum built over recent months as they seek another series victory on home soil.
Raza said the team’s growing culture would be crucial in maintaining standards.
“The intensity should be higher because it’s T20 cricket, but we’re building a very nice culture in the changing room and we are going to keep building on that,” he said.
“There will be a lot of intensity, a lot of energy and a very entertaining T20 series.”
Raza, who continues to captain Zimbabwe in the format, said leading the national side remained a privilege.
“It is very humbling. Leading a country is something any captain should be proud of, but it comes with responsibility that I am very well aware of,” he said.
“It’s nice of Zimbabwe Cricket to trust me to take this country forward in the T20 format. I will continue to give my best to my team and my country, and hopefully the results will follow.”
