Birthday special: Sikandar Raza – Best knocks by Zimbabwean all-rounder
Sikandar Raza is one of the finest all-rounders to have represented Zimbabwe at a time when cricket in the African nation was witnessing a steady decline. While Raza emigrated from Pakistan to Zimbabwe in 2002, it was only in 2013 that he finally got to don the national jersey due to citizenship issues despite showcasing consistent performances at the domestic circuit. As Sikandar Raza turns 36 on April 24, here’s a look at some of his memorable knocks.
3. 67* vs Sri Lanka, Galle 2017
This was Sikandar Raza’s most underrated knock in his career. Chasing a mammoth 317 against Sri Lanka, opener Solomon Mire had anchored the Zimbabwean chase with a 96-ball 112 and after he was dismissed, it appeared as if it would bring curtains down on the visitors. However, Raza had other ideas and he played a great counter-attacking knock. His unbeaten 67 runs off 56 balls guided Zimbabwe past the finish line by six wickets with 14 balls to spare.
2. 100* vs Pakistan, Lahore 2015
Raza showed fearless intent against the lethal Pakistan bowlers in their own backyard as he successfully breached the three-figure mark, scoring an unbeaten 100 from 84 deliveries. The knock powered Zimbabwe to 268, however, it was not enough and his efforts went in vain as the hosts chased it down in the 48th over courtesy of Azhar Ali’s splendid 102.
1. 127 vs Sri Lanka, Colombo 2017
This has to be Raza’s best knock in his nine-year international career as Raza proved his mettle on a turning track at the R Premadasa Stadium where Rangana Herath was asking some tough questions. Zimbabwe kept losing wickets at regular intervals in the second innings but Raza kept their hopes alive with his never-say-die attitude as he took the attack on the Lankan bowlers. His shots eventually paid off as he scored 127 runs from 205 deliveries. The knock powered the visitors to 377 thereby setting Sri Lanka a stiff target of 388, however, the Lankans chased it down to win by four wickets.
