New Delhi: Who will make it to the Super 8 of T20 World Cup 2026? The most anticipated names – India, Australia, England, Pakistan, West Indies, South Africa, New Zealand and Sri Lanka – dominate the predictions. The United States was even mentioned. Other teams, including Zimbabwe, have largely been labeled “losers”.Push boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!But Zimbabwe defies this perception. Their performance earned them a spot in the Super 8s, beating Oman, Australia and Sri Lanka along the way, sending a clear message: they are no weaklings.After the 2024 T20 World Cup, when the whole world was speculating on the 2026 World Cup, Zimbabwe quietly returned to the basics. They focus on studying, practicing, planning, grinding, and making no noise. The results speak for themselves – Zimbabwe are the Cinderella team of the tournament.
Now, Zimbabwe faces another major test. They are drawn in a tough Super 8 group with defending champions India, 2024 runners-up South Africa and two-time champions West Indies. In order to reach the semi-finals, they must finish in the top two in the standings.For Zimbabwe batsman Ryan Burl, this success is more than just a dream and more than a statement against their underdog tag. “This is the result of a 24-month plan that we have put in place and the execution is going well,” he revealed. Their journey is a reflection of strategy, hard work and belief, and now the team is ready to take on the giants.“When you’re ranked lower, you’re always going to be at a disadvantage,” Bull told times of india.com In an exclusive interview.
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Do you think Zimbabwe can continue their winning streak in the Super Eights?
“It’s always special to beat a team ranked higher than you. Being the underdog, it motivates us even more because people don’t really expect us to win. So when we win, it means a lot to us as players and our country.”Zimbabwe dominated the sub-regional qualifiers, facing the likes of Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania. They went on to win Qualifier B, Regional Sub-Zone B and ultimately the main qualifying round to secure their place in the 2026 T20 World Cup – a dream that the team is determined not to give up on.Even after a strong performance in the group stages, there was no celebration for Bull and the rest of the Zimbabwe team. Their attention has turned to the next challenge: executing a new, elaborate plan for Super 8.“Our success is the result of long-term execution of a well-planned plan. Every player has put in a huge effort. About 18 to 24 months ago, we set ourselves the dream and goal of reaching the Super 8,” he said.“We’ve had our highs and lows, but throughout, we followed a clear game plan and blueprint. That combination of planning and hard work got us to where we are today.”The last time Zimbabwe faced India was in the first round of the 2016 T20 World Cup.In the 2026 edition, they will kick off the Super 8 season against West Indies in Mumbai on Monday, followed by India in Chennai and South Africa in Delhi.“We have to face India, West Indies and South Africa in the Super Eights – three teams that are doing well in Test cricket at the moment. India are the defending champions, so that’s a challenge in itself but we’re excited about it. We can’t look too far ahead,” Bull said.“We have to take it one game at a time. What we have achieved so far is encouraging, but we need to stay grounded, stay calm and focus on the next obstacle.”
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza (right) and Brian Bennett run between the wickets. (AP Photo)
“Sikandar Raza is a superstar”Captain Sikandar Raza made a low-key appearance to address the media after Zimbabwe secured a spot in the Super Eights. He greeted everyone with a simple, “Hello everyone,” followed by a warm smile.“The fact that we qualified for the Super Eights doesn’t change the ultimate goal we set. Like I said, it’s just a tick in the box but we have a lot of other goals to achieve and everyone loves a failure story, don’t they?” Raza said while reflecting on the achievement.Bull praised Sikandar Raza for injecting passion and belief into every player, motivating the team and pushing them to achieve their big dreams.“Honestly, he’s a legend in his own right and deserves all the credit. He’s a superstar. He’s worked extremely hard his entire career,” Buell said.“It’s very special to play alongside him as a teammate and brother on the court. The team truly believes in what he says. That, coupled with the guidance and leadership of coach Justin Simmons, is a huge part of our success.”Zimbabwe enters the Super 8 phase of the T20 World Cup after their crucial Group B match against Ireland was called off due to rain. As a result, former champions Australia and Ireland were eliminated.
