New Delhi, Mar 2 (NationPress) The ardent supporters of Zimbabwe, famously known as Castle Corner, captured hearts with their vibrant singing and dancing throughout the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup. Their energy was particularly evident during the Super Eights match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday.

Among the impressive crowd of 24,500—up from 17,500 at the tournament's outset—those fans seated in the eastern section of the Gautam Gambhir stand stood out with their animated support for the Zimbabwean team. The six-member Castle Corner club celebrated Zimbabwe's victories over Australia and Sri Lanka, which enabled them to top Group B and progress to the Super Eights.

Despite Zimbabwe losing all three Super Eights matches, the generous Castle company sponsored the travel for these six fans, allowing five of them to witness the games in Mumbai, Chennai, and New Delhi.

Captain Sikandar Raza, held back for a Player of the Match interview, couldn't immediately join his teammates in expressing gratitude to the fans after the final match. Once he concluded his interview, he made his way to the supporters and began waving, singing, and saluting them in a heartfelt tribute, epitomizing the connection between the Zimbabwe team and its loyal fans.

In his standout performance—scoring 73 runs and taking 3 wickets for 29 runs—Raza expressed his deep appreciation for Castle Corner. "We share a personal connection with them. We know each member by name, their families, and their children. They are part of our cricket family, and our bond with Castle Corner is much deeper than mere fan support," he remarked during the post-match press conference.

He also took a moment to thank the wider crowd in Delhi for their enthusiasm. "To the Delhi crowd, thank you. Your chants and support have given us cherished memories, and I am truly grateful," Raza added.

Head coach Justin Sammons shared Raza's sentiments regarding the Castle Corner supporters. "They are incredibly passionate and supportive. We are fortunate to have them with us, and their presence means a lot to the players," he stated in the mixed zone.

Raza discussed the collective commitment to revitalize Zimbabwe cricket, especially after missing the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup. "We decided to change our culture. We could blame management or resources, but we took responsibility for our situation. This group of players is determined to uplift Zimbabwe cricket and earn respect worldwide," he explained.

Reflecting on their recent progress, Raza noted, "Eighteen months ago, we were competing in sub-regional qualifiers. To come here and top our group is a tremendous achievement for this team."

He emphasized that the core team is young, with many players likely to remain together for the next few years, which will help in their development towards the 2028 T20 World Cup.

Sammons acknowledged Raza's exceptional performance in the final game, stating, "He has high standards and wants to make Zimbabwe proud. He delivered an outstanding performance throughout the tournament, showing his class at the end."

At 39, Raza is contemplating his future in international cricket on a game-by-game basis. "I’ll assess my availability based on how my body feels. This experience has taught us valuable lessons about our strategies and the realities of international competition," he shared.

Both Raza and Sammons recognized that the execution of their plans faltered in India. Sammons noted, "While we showed glimpses of our potential, we weren't consistent enough, especially with the ball. We need to take confidence from the fact that we can compete with the best teams."

As Zimbabwe's World Cup journey concludes, they face uncertainty regarding their return due to airspace restrictions in the Middle East. However, the strong bond between the team and Castle Corner will undoubtedly continue to flourish.