T20 World Cup | Sky is the limit for Zimbabwe: Mbangwa

 The staunch supporters of Zimbabwe cricket are in seventh heaven. Mpumelelo Mbangwa is no exception. 

Mbangwa, a former Zimbabwe international and renowned commentator, cannot stop marvelling at the Sikandar Raza-led side’s giant-killing run in the T20 World Cup. The optimist in him is hoping for more, in a tournament where Zimbabwe has already exceeded expectations by storming into the Super Eight stage as a group leader. 

“Zimbabwe can certainly give other teams a run for their money (in the next round), and I hope that it does. Whether it will or not, nobody knows. But its progress was unexpected, so the sky is the limit. I would love a great fairytale,” said Mbangwa, who has followed the men’s team through its peaks and nadirs, in an email interaction with The Hindu. 

The 49-year-old has every reason to dream big. Zimbabwe humbled former champions Australia and Sri Lanka to win Group B when only a few gave it a chance. “I did not expect it to top the group as beating one of Australia or Sri Lanka was probably the more envisaged way of getting through to the Super Eights. But I must say that there is familiarity with the Sri Lankan side, having played against it in Pakistan (in a tri-series) a few months ago,” Mbangwa added. 

The former fast bowler opined that Zimbabwe’s eye-catching streak could not have come at a better time. “A national team’s success breeds positivity within the sport, and this will certainly do that. The hope is that it will also attract youngsters along with the rest of the society to the game. The timing of this is important as Zimbabwe will co-host the 50-over World Cup next year,” he said. 

Mbangwa was effusive in his praise of Raza for building a great culture within the dressing room. “Raza has been very good for a few years now; his leadership has clearly been good for Zimbabwe. I also like that he has gone to great pains to stress that togetherness and the step-by-step approach of all members are the reasons for success. They all need to keep going the same way,” Mbangwa said. Write off Zimbabwe at your own peril.