Zimbabwe defeated Pakistan in a last-ball thriller by 1 run.
The T20 World Cup 2022 has only been going for a few days, but already the cricketing world has witnessed the two-time champions West Indies not making it to the Super 12 round, Ireland defeating England, and on Thursday (October 27), Zimbabwe upsetting Pakistan by one run.
After the match against Pakistan on Thursday, Zimbabwe all-rounder, Sikandar Raza revealed he was immensely motivated after watching a clip, featuring Ricky Ponting.
The legendary cricketer’s words of wisdom did wonders for Raza as he received the Player of the Match award after the clash, his third of the tournament.
Raza only managed to score 9 runs with the bat, but he made up for it with the ball, grabbing 3 wickets and only giving up 25 runs in 4 overs.
“One more thing I thought. There was a small clip sent to me this morning of Ricky Ponting having a small word. I was excited, I was nervous, I was thrilled about today,” he said at the post-match presentation.
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He was at a loss for words after the historic win.
“The motivation was always there but if I needed a little push, I thought that clip did a wonder so thanks very much to Ricky as well.”
“I think I’m lost for words. My throat’s dry, probably because of all the emotions. I can’t tell you how proud I am of this bunch of boys,”
“The way our seamers started at the top as well is just unbelievable and the way we backed it up in the field and the way we kept believing, I don’t think there’s any words I can share right now.” he added.
When asked about the wrist-tapping signal he sent to his captain Craig Ervine, the 36-year-old admitted that the two had developed a challenge for one another.
“When we were coming to Australia, I said to my captain, ‘If you become Man of the Match, pick any watch from the catalogue and I’ll buy you. But if I win Man of the Match, then you’re gonna buy me one.
So I’m just reminding him that you now owe me three watches now actually.” he revealed.
After electing to bat first, Zimbabwe could only manage 130/8 in 20 overs owing to an immaculate performance by Mohammad Wasim Jr. (4/24 in 4 overs).
In reply, Babar Azam and Co. fell a run short. Shan Masood’s spirited 44 off 38 balls couldn’t take the team over the line as wickets kept tumbling at the other end.
(STAR SPORTS INPUTS)