'Devastated, broken': Sikandar Raza On Zimbabwe’s World Cup Snub
Sikandar Raza reaction after the loss against Scotland. [Twitter]
Zimbabwe’s dream to be a part of the forthcoming ODI World Cup 2023 in India later this year were shattered, following their defeat in a must win Super Six game against Scotland in the ongoing World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe on Tuesday.
The Chevrons had a great start to their campaign as they won each of their four group games, including the one against West Indies. However, they lost two back-to-back games against Sri Lanka and Scotland in their last two Super Six matches. As a result, the hosts could not sustain their top two position in the points table.
Eventually, Zimbabwe got eliminated from the tournament and out of the race to make it to the show-piece event in India later this year, leaving fans and players absolutely shattered. Sikandar Raza, in particular was seen devastated and broken in the dressing room after his side failed to chase the target against Scotland.
Sikandar Raza Pen Down His Emotions
On Thursday, Sikandar Raza opened up for the first time after his side Zimbabwe failed to qualify for the ODI World Cup 2023 in India later this year. The 37-year-old poured out his emotions on Social Media and apologized to the fans for not getting the job done.
“Devastated, hurt , broken, shattered , in pain and there are so many words that describes what we Chevrons are feeling right now. We are sorry that we couldn’t get the job done and made the dream a reality,” Raza tweeted.
Raza further expressed his acknowledgement to the fans for all the support and love they gave to the team throughout the tournament. He is proud of the fact that how far his side came in this tournament.
"I am incredibly proud of this team and how far we have come in a year. I am so proud of how we wore our hearts on our sleeves. I am incredibly proud of our fans for making us believe and giving us so much love & respect," Raza added.
The star all-rounder has been the face of Zimbabwe cricket in the recent past and his side failing to qualify for World Cup 2023 must have battered him into oblivion. Moreover, Raza played a significant role for Zimbabwe in this tournament, contributing with both bat and ball.
He scored 325 runs with the bat, including a century and a half century and scalped wickets with his off-spin. It is quite obvious that this was going to be his last world cup as the Pakistan-born cricketer will turn 41 for the next edition when the tournament comes back to Zimbabwe in 2027.
 "Kaushik Kashyap")
