Pallekele, February 17 Zimbabwe qualified for the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup on Tuesday after their crucial Group B match against Ireland was washed out due to rain. This also eliminated former champions Australia and Ireland from the tournament.
Both teams were awarded one point each. The shared points took Zimbabwe to five, which was enough to secure a Super 8 berth. They will face India in their opening Super 8 match on February 26 in Chennai.
"While we have achieved a lot, this is just one step in the process. We will have a small celebration, but we will then focus on the next game. This is just one step in what we have set out to achieve," said Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza.
Zimbabwe, who failed to qualify for the 2024 editions, became the seventh team to qualify for the Super 8s, completing Group G1, which also includes India, South Africa, and West Indies.
Zimbabwe will play their final group match against co-hosts Sri Lanka on February 19.
Group G2 consists of Sri Lanka, England, New Zealand, and either Pakistan or USA. All their matches will be held in Colombo and Pallekele.
"Myself and the coach, we will sit down and analyze the data on Sri Lanka. We will try to win that game. Qualifying has not changed our ultimate goal," Raza said.
"Everyone loves an underdog story. Every time we face a challenge, if we get a day or two to train, we try to learn from those conditions. We train, assess the conditions, look at previous games played at that venue, and try to put together a good game of cricket."
With Sri Lanka (6), who have already qualified for the Super 8s, Zimbabwe and Ireland, who had four and two points respectively, were also in contention.
Australia were also on two points following their defeats to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.
The former champions needed Zimbabwe to lose both their remaining matches to stay in contention, but persistent rain ended their hopes.
The toss at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium was initially delayed due to drizzle, with the ground remaining under covers for a considerable period.
However, continuous rain and a wet outfield prevented any play, confirming Zimbabwe's progression to the Super 8 stage.
Undeterred by the rain, Zimbabwe supporters were seen celebrating their team's qualification, singing and dancing despite the gloomy weather.
"No matter where they are sitting, they will be the loudest. They keep lifting us up. But when we hear them, it gives us energy," Raza said.
"These guys have achieved this through their own efforts. Hopefully, this is the start of many more fans coming in. We will try everything to raise the Zimbabwe flag high."
"Hopefully, the numbers will increase, and hopefully this is the start of a culture of fans going wherever the team plays," he added.
