NEW DELHI: Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza on Tuesday said that reaching the Super Eights of the T20 World Cup was a significant milestone but insisted the team’s broader ambition is to earn lasting respect in world cricket.

Zimbabwe booked a Super 8 berth for the first time after their Group B clash against Ireland was washed out due to rain, a result that knocked out former champions Australia and Ireland from the competition.

ICC T20 World Cup: Zimbabwe enter Super 8 after rain washout against Ireland, Australia knocked out

With both teams sharing a point, Zimbabwe moved to five points, which was enough to confirm qualification for the next stage.

"To qualify for Super 8 with a game to spare for the first time in our history is certainly no small achievement. It's an achievement that our whole country and people should enjoy," Raza said at the post-match press conference.

"Yes, Super 8 is certainly a tick in the box, but it's certainly not the whole box we set out for. But this is just one of those things we have ticked from the box, but we've got other things to achieve and everybody remains committed and focused for that.

"One of the goals we set out for was certainly that we're going to bring more recognition and respect to our country."

Focus shifts to Sri Lanka and beyond

Raza made it clear that the team’s attention is already on the remaining fixtures, starting with their final group match against hosts Sri Lanka.

"And we gear up for Sri Lanka and then what happens after, we deal with one game at a time as well."

Zimbabwe are set to face India in their opening Super 8 fixture on February 26 in Chennai, marking another major test in their campaign.

Learning from past setbacks

When asked whether missing out on the 2024 World Cup served as a turning point, Raza reflected on a moment of reckoning within the squad.

"I remember when we were told that we have to play the sub-regional Qualifier B in Kenya, I remember sitting down with the squad and said either we feel sorry for ourselves and be ashamed or actually understand the reality.

"The reality is it is because of us we are in this mess and it's only us who can get it out, so either we all get together and work towards a singular goal which is to win this tournament, win the qualifiers get to the World Cup and then write our own history and story.

"And all of us got together and we all unanimously agree that, yes, it is our own fault because we kept most of the same squad. And we said it is because of us and only us can get it out. And yes, our country do deserve more respect and recognition. I took a lot of blame and criticism as a leader."

Raza’s remarks underlined a renewed sense of belief within the side, one built on accountability and a collective push to change Zimbabwe’s standing on the global stage.

(With PTI Inputs)