Perhaps the most significant on-field figure has been all-rounder and T20 captain Sikandar Raza.
After moving from Pakistan to join his family in Zimbabwe in 2002, Raza put aside the disappointment of an eye condition ruining his hopes of becoming a fighter pilot and sought a career as a cricketer.
Three player-of-the-match performances at the 2022 T20 World Cup, smashing 133 off 43 deliveries as his side hit a T20 international world record 344-4 against Gambia in 2024 and smacking a 54-ball hundred – Zimbabwe’s fastest one-day international century – against the Netherlands in 2023 are just a few examples of his exploits.
“This is probably the first time in a long time where the fans have travelled to support,” said Raza.
“That is because of the way we have played cricket over the last year. We have given them hope that this team is onto something and we can achieve something if we all are together.
“And that’s just not the cricketers, or the changing room, or the technical staff. It is our fans. It is our media. It is the citizens of our country.”
Now approaching his 40th birthday, Raza continues to lead from the front.
When sub-par performances meant a qualifying tournament in Kenya was required to reach this T20 World Cup, Raza’s message was clear.
“I sat down with the squad and said either we feel sorry for ourselves and be ashamed or actually understand the reality,” he said. “It’s because of us we are in this mess and it’s only us who can get out of it.”
And he knows how proud those at home will be.
“Let’s just be together and actually enjoy this because it’s a huge achievement for the country,” he added.
For those that saw the dark days, like Taibu, a moment like reaching the Super 8 stage must be treasured.
“In World Cups, Zimbabwe will always be an underdog. I’m very proud,” he said.
Mbangwa added: “It is wonderful to see the team do well on the world stage. It breeds positivity and gives so many people joy.”
And the future is bright, with a core of talented players, strong leadership and the prospect of an ICC event on home soil.
The men’s 50-over World Cup in 2027 will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia, with matches played at a new, 10,000-seat stadium near Victoria Falls.
As to that vision of success in years to come, Mbangwa wants the country to cherish the now.
“What’s important is to enjoy the present and keep doing what they’re doing,” he said.
After coming through Group B unbeaten – a win over Oman and a washout against Ireland alongside those remarkables victories against Australia and Sri Lanka – Zimbabwe suffered a crushing 107-run defeat by West Indies in their Super 8 Group 1 opener.
They next face defending champions and co-hosts India – smarting from defeat by South Africa and in need of victory – in Chennai on Thursday.
But while the Chevrons are not favourites to progress to the semi-finals, nothing can be ruled out.
As Taibu says: “Possibilities? They are always there where Zimbabwe is concerned.”
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