The great revival: How Zimbabwe reclaimed its relevance at T20 World Cup 2026

Zimbabwe defeating Sri Lanka and Australia to secure Super Eight qualification at the T20 World Cup 2026 has every element of the quintessential underdog story everyone loves. But it’s more than that — a story of redemption too.

Its 2026 World Cup campaign had started way back in October 2024 in Nairobi. Having missed the cut for the 2024 edition in the United States and the West Indies, Zimbabwe was the only Full-Member nation required to undertake the toil of the Sub-Regional Qualifiers.

In Africa, 18 teams are divided across three Sub-Regional Qualifiers, from where the top two in each advance to the Regional Finals, joined by two teams that featured in the last T20 World Cup, making it an eight-team affair. The best two teams qualify for the next edition.

Zimbabwe was at the bottom of the pile, facing Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles and Gambia in Regional Qualifier B. Any team can throw a curveball in these regional tournaments and Zimbabwe was well aware of that, having lost to Uganda in the Regional Finals that cost it a place in 2024.

At the 2022 World Cup in Australia, Zimbabwe had reached the Super 12 stage, where it beat Pakistan. But the significance of that run diminished after the slip-up to Uganda, forcing it to start from scratch and chart a comeback.

“I remember when we were told that we had to play the Sub-Regional Qualifier B in Kenya — sitting down with the squad and saying that either we feel sorry for ourselves and be ashamed or actually understand the reality,” captain Sikandar Raza says. “It’s because of us that we are in this mess, and it’s only we who can get us out of it.”

From there, the Chevrons went on to go 11 games unbeaten, winning the Regional Final in the process to get to the World Cup. But the harder part was still ahead — facing the big guns. Through this qualification cycle, Zimbabwe was mindful of not losing ground to higher-ranked Full Member teams. It invited India, even if a depleted side, to Harare for a five-match series and won the first match, before going down 4-1. South Africa and New Zealand also played a tri-series at the same venue in 2025.

It also registered victories over Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Afghanistan during this World Cup cycle.

The rigorous schedule helped broaden its talent pool. With Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava having already earned their reputations, the side settled in on other talents like Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani and Tashinga Musekiwa through this period. The rewards for backing these players emerged at this World Cup. Bennett’s half century (64 off 56) was what tilted the game against Australia in its favour, along with Muzarabani’s four for 17. The opening batter starred in the 177-run chase against Sri Lanka too, scoring 63 off 48.

“Over the last 12 to 18 months, while the results in terms of wins haven’t quite been there, anyone who’s been around has seen consistent improvement in small areas. What we see now is a culmination of those key areas,” assistant coach Dion Ebrahim says.

The infusion of young blood created a blend of experience and youth. But the team remained centred around the charismatic figure of its leader, Raza.

“I genuinely think we are in the presence of brilliance, and I don’t say that lightly. Sikandar has been performing at this level for a while now and perhaps hasn’t quite got the accolades others have. He is a global superstar, up there with the greats, and will go down as one of them.

“What does he bring to the dressing room? All those superlatives — inspiration, motivation, passion. But what he does consistently is lead through his actions. He is vocal in the dressing room, yet people follow him because of the brilliance he produces. He is meticulous about constantly trying to improve, and I think that’s what keeps him going,” Ebrahim says.

Another big factor in plugging the gap with the best teams has been franchise cricket. Raza is a franchise-cricket globetrotter, having played in every major league from the Indian Premier League to the SA20. Ryan Burl, Muzarabani and Ngarava have also enjoyed stints overseas.

Explaining the significance of franchise cricket, Raza says: “Myself and all the other cricketers who have gone overseas for franchise cricket have always come back and spoken to the boys — about what happens there, what works on those wickets, what works in certain situations. If the boys haven’t got the experience, the least we can do is share the knowledge.”

Hence, it was not surprising that Zimbabwe felt it had a shot. It is no stranger to wins at global showpiece events. It had defeated Australia in the group stage of the 2007 T20 World Cup as well. The need to banish the demons of previous misses added extra motivation.

“One of the goals we set was to bring more recognition and respect to our country. Whatever happened in the past has happened, but this group has been together for a long time and has gone about its business with utmost honesty and integrity. To now see everybody taking notice of Zimbabwe and viewing it in a respectable manner is certainly very humbling and pleasing,” Raza says.

The pre-seeded Super Eight groups were an underwhelming confrontation for Zimbabwe eventually. It received no incentive for finishing first in Group B and was pitted against title contenders India and South Africa, as well as West Indies.

But even if its fortunes turn for the worse in this World Cup, Zimbabwe has turned heads and earned itself a launchpad. The Super Eight qualification guarantees the team a place in the next World Cup, bringing with it freedom from the Regional Qualifiers.

The momentum could not only thrust Zimbabwe further in T20 cricket but also revive its ODI fortunes, where it has not qualified for a World Cup since 2015. It now has the talent — and the belief — to emulate this year’s feat in the longer white-ball format.

Top performers

Most runs

Brian Bennett

Runs: 180; SR: 124.13 ; Avg: 180.00

Tadiwanashe Marumani

Runs:104; SR: 157.57; Avg: 26.00

Sikandar Raza

Runs: 102; SR: 167.21; Avg: 51.00

Most wickets

Blessing Muzarabani

Wickets: 11; Avg: 10.27; Eco: 7.06

Brad Evans

Wickets: 9; Avg: 13.56; Eco: 8.51

Richard Ngarava

Wickets: 5; Avg: 12.80; Eco: 8.00

(Stats updated after the first Super Eight match against WI)

Published on Feb 25, 2026