Sikandar Raza apologizes after Zimbabwe face potential World Cup elimination

A shock loss to the UAE yesterday left Zimbabwe facing World Cup elimination. The merry run of the hosts came to an end with the narrow defeat. Coming into the game, Zimbabwe needed a win to ensure that they qualified for the World Cup 2019. Also, the odds favoured them as UAE had failed to register a single win in the Super Sixes. But the fortunes did favour UAE on the day.

Zimbabwe went into their final Super Six encounter on Thursday knowing a win against their unfancied opponents would secure their place at next year’s finals. However, they stumbled to a three-run reverse via the Duckworth-Lewis method, opening the door for the winner of Friday’s meeting between Ireland and Afghanistan to steal in and snatch qualification.

And Sikandar Raza, whose 3-41 and 34 from 26 balls proved in vain against the UAE, took to social media to express his sorrow for such a heart-wrenching disappointment. The all-rounder apologized to all the fans, families and friends of the Zimbabwe cricket team after defeat to the United Arab Emirates effectively ended their World Cup hopes.

According to Sportstar, the 31-year-old was quoted saying, “One of the toughest pill[s] to swallow for all of us together and the tears we shed yesterday describes the pain we all felt for everyone and for those who supported us,” he posted on Twitter.

He added, “Our fans and families and friends deserved better and all I can say is that We are truly very sorry!!!!!!”

Cue the late show

Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to bowl first. A sudden middle order collapse saw the UAE batsman head back to the pavilion in a cavalcade. The rains intervened and the UAE innings had to wind up with 235/7 in 47.5 overs. Raza was the pick of the bowlers for Zimbabwe with 3/41 to his name.

The game resumed after a brief pause with Zimbabwe needed 230 runs to win in 40 overs as the revised target. It was a horrific start for the hosts as Mohammad Naveed sent both the openers, Solomon Mire and Hamilton Masakadza, packing for single-digit scores inside the first five overs.

The hosts not for once looked in charge of the run chase and eventually it was too late with the equation reduced to 6 off the last ball.