Online Reporter
Sports Reporter
AT the age of 39, the idea of hanging the bat has not crossed the mind of Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza.
At the back of his mind there is only one thing – to lead Zimbabwe to next year’s ICC T20 World Cup in India and Sri-Lanka.
Raza will be hoping to lead Zimbabwe to the World Cup, which could be his last in the short format of white-ball cricket.
Raza is not alone in the basket of players who could call it time in T20 cricket.
Next year’s T20 World Cup could also be a last shot for his Brendan Taylor, who made a sensational return to international cricket this year. “When are we hanging our boots and things like that, that’s going to stay between us three (Raza, Taylor and Williams).
“All I would say is that this country and this cricketing nation deserves some happiness and that onus falls upon us, we have to qualify for the World Cup next year, so we are just making sure of that,” said Raza.
Raza said the coming in of Taylor and Williams, who went on to withdrew citing personal reasons, has brought in some lessons into the camp.
“These are players who have seen it all and you can see the value that they have given to the team and their presence has been felt by the young players,” said Raza.
With the Zimbabwe Sables having secured a place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, Raza feels that Chevrons have to follow into the footsteps of the national rugby side.
“Our rugby boys have already qualified for the World Cup this year, and hopefully we have two or three more sporting departments that can be in those global tournaments to give happiness to our country,” said Raza.
Zimbabwe are one match away from securing a spot at next year World Cup which they have missed in the last two editions.
Zimbabwe will face Kenya in a semi-final where the winner will automatically secure a place at the global showcase and Raza feels there is no better place to qualify for the tournament than on home soil.
“Qualifying will certainly be really special and fun.
“It will be really special to celebrate with our fans, inshallah we want to see those smiles and to give them happiness they deserve.
“To celebrate it (qualification) with them. I think it will just be a cherry on top,” said Raza.
