’24 months of planning, Sikander Raza’s spark’: Ryan Burle on Zimbabwe’s T20 World Cup dream | Exclusively | Cricket News –

New Delhi: Who will make it to the Super 8s in the 2026 T20 World Cup? Most of the expected names – India, Australia, England, Pakistan, West Indies, South Africa, New Zealand and Sri Lanka – dominated the predictions.

Even the United States of America was mentioned. Other teams, including Zimbabwe, were largely classified as ‘underdogs’.Go beyond boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!But Zimbabwe shattered this perception. Thanks to their majestic performance, they earned their place in the Super 8 tournament, defeating Oman, Australia and Sri Lanka along the way and sending a clear message: they are not underdogs.After the 2024 T20 World Cup, while the world was speculating about the 2026 edition, Zimbabwe have quietly gone back to basics.

They focused on learning, practicing, planning and grinding hard without making noise. The results speak for themselves, as Zimbabwe emerged as the ‘Cinderella’ team of the tournament.

Now Zimbabwe faces another big test. They are placed in a tough Super 8 group with defending champions India, 2024 runners-up South Africa and two-time champions West Indies. To reach the semi-finals, they must finish first and second in the points table.

For Zimbabwean footballer Ryan Burl, this success is not just a dream or a statement against the underdog label. “This is the result of a plan we put in place over 24 months and it is now being implemented well,” he revealed. Their journey reflects strategy, hard work and faith, and now the team is ready to take on the giants.“You’re always going to be the underdog when you’re ranked lower,” Pearl said. TimesofIndia.com In an exclusive interview.

“Beating a team above you is always special. As an underdog, it motivates us even more because people don’t really expect us to win. So when we do, it means a lot – for us as players and for our nation.”Zimbabwe dominated the sub-regional qualifiers, facing off against the likes of Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania. They went on to win the B Qualifier, the Sub Regional B Qualifier, and finally the Main Qualifier, to secure their place in the 2026 T20 World Cup – a dream this team was determined not to let slip away.Even after their impressive performance in the group stage, Pearl and the rest of the Zimbabwe team are not celebrating. Their focus has already turned to the next challenge: implementing a new, well-designed plan for Super 8s.“Our success has been the result of a carefully crafted plan that has been implemented over time. Every player has put in extremely hard work. About 18 to 24 months ago, we set ourselves the dream and goal of reaching the Super 8s,” he said.“We’ve been through highs and lows, but all the while, we’ve followed clear game plans and blueprints. The combination of that planning and hard work has gotten us where we are today.”Zimbabwe last played India during the first round of the T20 World Cup in 2016.In the 2026 edition, they will start their Super 8 campaign against West Indies on Monday in Mumbai, followed by a clash against India in Chennai, and then face South Africa in Delhi.“We have to play India, West Indies and South Africa in the Super 8s – three teams currently playing great cricket. India are defending the title, so it’s a challenge in itself, but we’re excited about it. We can’t look ahead too much,” Pearl said.“We have to take it one game at a time. There is joy in what we have achieved so far, but we need to stay steady, calm and focus on the next hurdle.”

“Iskandar Reda is a big star”After Zimbabwe secured their place in the Super 8s tournament, captain Sikandar Raza quietly entered to speak to the media.

He greeted everyone with a simple “Hello everyone” followed by a warm smile.“The fact that we qualified for the Super 8s didn’t change the end goal we set out for. Like I said, it’s just a tick in the box, but we have a lot of other goals to achieve and everyone loves an underdog story, right?” Reza said as he contemplated the accomplishment.Pearl gave credit to Sikandar Raza for instilling fire and belief in every player, motivating the team, and pushing them towards their big dream.“To be honest, he is a legend in his own right and deserves all the praise. He is a superstar. He has worked extremely hard throughout his career,” Pearl said.“As a teammate and brother on the court, it was very special to play alongside him. The team really embraces what he has to say. Combined with the guidance and leadership of coach Justin Simmons, it has been a key part of our success.”Zimbabwe entered the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup after their decisive Group B encounter against Ireland ended due to rain. The result saw the elimination of former champions Australia and Ireland from the tournament.