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Sikandar Raza On Top Of Huge Zimbabwe Record, Surpasses Legends Vs Bangladesh

Aakash Saini

Sikandar Raza scripts huge Zimbabwe record [Source: @Crex_live/x]Sikandar Raza scripts huge Zimbabwe record [Source: @Crex_live/x]

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza made just three off six balls against Bangladesh in the series-deciding third T20I at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The seasoned all-rounder failed to sustain the early momentum laid out by half-centurion Dion Myers and well-set opener Brian Bennett.

Regardless, Raza still managed to script a huge national record in Zimbabwe’s must-win game on Sunday, July 19.

Sikandar Raza surpasses Masakadza, Taylor for huge record

Sikandar Raza played the 314th match of his international career for Zimbabwe when he took field against Bangladesh on July 19 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The 40-year-old has now become the most-capped player in the history of Zimbabwe cricket. 

Also Read- Zimbabwe Fast Bowler Punished By ICC Before India Series

The legendary all-rounder surpassed the previous record set by former Zimbabwe cricketer Hamilton Masakadza. Overall, Masakadza, Raza and experienced wicketkeeper-batter Brendon Taylor are the only Zimbabwe players who have earned 300 or more international caps so far. Here is a look at some of the most-capped cricketers in Zimbabwe men’s history.

Most matches played by Zimbabwe cricketers across formats:

  • Sikandar Raza – 314 matches
  • Hamilton Masakadza – 313 matches
  • Brendon Taylor – 303 matches
  • Grant Flower – 288 matches
  • Elton Chigumbura – 281 matches

A look at Sikandar Raza career

Sikandar Raza, born in Pakistan, is widely regarded as one of the greatest Zimbabwe all-format cricketers of all time. Interestingly, he made his international debut in May 2013 at an age of as late as 27. 

Despite getting a late start to his international career, the star all-rounder has gone on to become Zimbabwe’s most-capped player by the time of reaching 40. 

He has played 22 Test matches to date, having aggregated 1,434 runs at an average of nearly 35. He also picked up 40 wickets with the ball. 

In ODIs, Raza is one of Zimbabwe’s biggest run-makers in history with 4,521 runs to his name in 147 innings at an average of 36.45. Moreover, he is the leading run-maker for his country in T20Is by a landslide with 3,140 runs in 131 innings at a staggering strike rate of 137.29.

Overall, Raza has minted over 9,000 international runs across all formats, all while harvesting 243 wickets with the ball. 

Zimbabwe, Bangladesh fend off in thrilling decider

With series locked 1-1, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza won the toss in the third T20I and opted to bat first. Opening batter Brian Bennett composed 47 off 38 balls, while number three Dion Myers top-scored in the innings with a regal 53-ball 73.

The two cricketers shared a counterattacking 71-run partnership for the second wicket after the early loss of Tadiwanashe Marumani. However, Bangladesh bowlers clawed their way back into the game by restricting the hosts to just 143-7 in 20 overs. 

Mohammad Saifuddin picked up two wickets in the innings at an expense of 35, while Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain and Abdul Gaffar Saqlain chipped in with a wicket each. 

In response, Zimbabwe fast bowler Richard Ngarava struck early for his side with the wicket of Bangladesh opener Saif Hassan.

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