Exclusive: T20 World Cup: Felt pure joy after beating Pakistan, would be stupid to plan only for SKY and Virat, says Zimbabwean all-rounder Ryan Burl | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: The Zimbabwean cricketers were in a jubilant and triumphant mood for a long time. The players couldn’t stop singing, dancing and celebrating their famous victory. Their stunning 1-run win against Pakistan sent the entire Perth Stadium into a frenzy after Craig Ervine’s men stunned the Green Shirts in a nerve-racking encounter.

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Zimbabwe have played three matches in the Super 12s so far and have won 1 match, lost 1 while one ended in a draw. They are fourth in the Group 2 standings with three points.
Meanwhile, Pakistan have lost two of their three matches so far. They first lost to India and then were stunned by Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe versatile Ryan Burlwho has featured in all the matches the Red Shirts have played so far in the Super 12s, spoke to TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview from Perth and said to face India in a bilateral series ahead of the World Cup playing, the Chevrons helped a lot in the preparation for the mega event.
India, led by KL Rahul, traveled to Zimbabwe earlier this year in August to play a three-match ODI series. The tourists swept the hosts 3-0.
“Playing India before the tournament (World Cup) was obviously a good experience. I think playing any top opposition before World Cups helps so much with preparation and confidence leading up to the big stage,” the 28-year-old, born in Marondera, told TimesofIndia.com.

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After a win against Pakistan on their teeth, Zimbabwe are high on confidence. Although they ran into Bangladesh after that and were handed a heartbreaking 3 run loss by the Bangla Tigers.
Zimbabwe take on the Netherlands on Wednesday (November 2), and then India on Sunday (November 6).
When asked about the fight against 2007 champions India and the possibility of the Red Shirts stopping the dangerous batsmen like Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav, Burl said, “I think it would be silly if we only plan against SKY and Virat. because everyone in the Indian team is a big threat on their day. That said we have to take each game as it comes, and our Netherlands which is an important game. India are a solid team and a dangerous team,” Burl further told TimesofIndia.com.

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BURL ON SIKANDAR RAZA’S WORK ETHIC
Sikandar Raza, who has been playing for Zimbabwe since 2013, played a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s win against Pakistan. The emotions and the never-say-never attitude on Raza’s face were evident after he bowled a tight 16th over that changed the course of the match.

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Raza bowled down the leg side to a well-placed Shan Masood. The Pakistani batsman came down the track and tried to play a slap shot but missed the ball completely. Regis Chakabva had enough time to gather the ball and whip off the sponsors to show Masood, who scored 44 off 38 balls, the way back to the pavilion.
Apart from Masood, Raza removed Shadab Khan (17) and Haider Ali (0).
Raza, a Pakistan-born cricketer, claimed 3 for 25 and bagged the Man of the Match award for his spectacular bowling.
“Obviously a win against Pakistan means the world not only to me but to my team, my family and all the fans around the world who have supported our journey to get here. That vibe and atmosphere was fantastic. Pure joy. and excitement. That’s something. It’s very hard to put into words, it’s just the best feeling as a cricketer. We didn’t really get a chance to talk to the opposition after the game. Unfortunately, all of it a very quick turnaround and not much break between (the) games,” recalls Burl.
Burl praised Raza, saying: “Raza has worked so hard leading up to this incredible period of form he’s going through.”
“I’m not at all surprised at how well he’s performing because his work ethic behind the scenes is so high,” Burl signed off.