NEW DELHI: Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza on Monday said their stunning win over Australia would mean little if they falter in the next two matches of the ICC T20 World Cup. He stressed that the team must stay grounded despite the giant killing act.

Zimbabwe shocked former champions Australia national cricket team by 23 runs in Colombo on Friday. They now face Ireland national cricket team on Tuesday and another win would put them in a strong position to reach the Super Eights.

"We know this (win over Australia) is just part of that journey that we came and the goals that we set. ... but 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 will count for nothing, especially if there is slip-up now. Everybody remains very focused. We've had a travelling day yesterday and a rest day. Today we have trained really well. Tomorrow for me is just another game, but probably the most important game," Raza said at the pre match press conference.

After the Ireland clash, Zimbabwe who are on four points from two matches will take on hosts Sri Lanka national cricket team on February 19 in their final group fixture.

Super Eights race and pressure

Raza admitted the next two matches will bring a different kind of pressure with Super Eights qualification within reach.

"Yeah, certainly it does. ... it's a lovely position to be in. We've had two results. Fine, the world is talking about Zimbabwe. It is great. But let them do all the talking for us.

"The beauty of these ICC events is that every game you practically feel is a knockout game. And I think it's great for our own mental toughness and growth as well, how well we handle our own expectations rather than what the world wants from us.

"So yeah, but you get excited when the destination looks closer. The biggest challenge, for myself and the team, is to try and stay with the present and just not get too excited with what lies ahead, as long as we can focus on what's right in front of us."

Asked if performing on this stage could change lives, he said, "Yeah, certainly. ICC events change lives in every way, whether that is recognition, fame, whether that is financial, respect, whichever way you look at it, once you do well in ICC events against any team that comes here.

"The top 20 teams are here. So yeah, it is life-changing and hopefully we can keep writing our own history and keep going further than we ever went in our history."

Adair praises Zimbabwe attack

Raza also expressed satisfaction with his pacers Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Brad Evans and Tinotenda Maposa for their performances so far.

Speaking about the tight schedule, he said it has both positives and negatives but felt it has been a "balanced schedule for all the teams".

"The advantage is that sometimes when you're winning, the momentum is there and you want to play again and again. The disadvantages are with these conditions the body doesn't recover as well so you want to do something but sometimes it gets tougher to achieve that, whether you're a batter or a bowler.

"It's pro and con and it's happening to every team as well so I think it has been very well balanced schedule for all the teams."

Ireland all rounder Mark Adair admitted Zimbabwe could have one of the best bowling attacks in the tournament.

"They're really starting to round out that team and round out that attack. I think they're probably as good of a bowling lineup as you'll find in this competition.

"They're a good batting team and have that little bit of explosiveness towards the back but it's something that we're looking forward to. We've played a lot against them. We've seen a lot of these guys. There should be no surprises for us."

Adair added that having friends and family around the squad has helped create a positive vibe.

"There's a few parents they shall remain nameless for now I think but yeah there's a few parents that led the charge. I'd be lying if I said my parents weren't involved in that as well but no, yeah like it's brilliant to see them all and we do have such a close-knit group and I think it's brilliant that all the parents get on so well.

"They were all staying in the same hotel so there's a bit of boozing going on there as well I think so look it's good to have them they're always welcome and they'll follow us all around the world."

On preparations, he said, "We arrived yesterday -- three o'clock sometime. Travel was good, long enough bus journey though. A few boys were stiff after that but no had a good run around on the outfield this morning to do a bit of fielding."

(With PTI Inputs)