Chronicle Editor
Brandon Moyo
THE world of cricket has been in full praise for the history-making Zimbabwean international, Sikandar Raza after his brilliant all round performance on his debut Indian Premier League (IPL) season saw the Punjab Kings edge Lucknow Super Giants by two wickets on Saturday.
Raza, named Player of the Match, became the first Zimbabwean to pick up the accolade in the IPL. His 57 runs off 42 deliveries was also the first half-century by a Zimbabwean batsman in the world’s most lucrative T20 league, much to the appreciation of cricket stakeholders from all over the world.
The other two Zimbabweans to have played in the IPL, Tatenda Taibu and Raymond Price never achieved the feat that the 36-year-old Raza has added to his impressive list of accolades in white ball cricket.
West Indies legend, Ian Bishop took to his social media to congratulate the Chevrons stalwart for his brilliant all round performance as he finally managed to get it right after a slow start to the IPL.
“Happy for Sikandar Raza. Playing in the IPL was a dream of his that finally came through. Today (Saturday), a maiden IPL half century and a wicket in winning the game for Punjab Kings,” Bishop posted on his Twitter account.
Bishop was not the only one impressed by the show that Raza put on Saturday, Indian commentator and journalist, Harsha Bhogle said the performance made him feel good as it showed what other players from outside the ‘big teams’ are capable of.
“A hardworking, tough cricketer from Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza, getting the player of the match and showing what fine players from outside the top 4/5 teams are capable of, is one of my feel-good moments of #TATAIPL2023. Look forward to more Sikandar Raza. Keep opening the door for others,” Bhogle posted on his Twitter as well.
Last week, in a video posted by his team on their social media, the all-rounder said that he hopes he will do well in the IPL and repay the faith that the franchise put in him, and his stellar performance on Saturday saw another Indian journalist Himanshu Pareek praise him for.
“Had some laughing reactions when I said that Sikandar Raza was the biggest steal of IPL Auction. Today (Saturday) he proves why. He is the most dynamic player in the Punjab Kings setup right now. What a talent in just 75 lac rupees,” Pareek wrote.
Coming in to bat at number five, Raza had a lot on his hands as the Kings were struggling on 45/3, missing the services of their in-form captain Shikhar Dhawan and the Zimbabwean managed to deliver a knock for the history books.
His innings consisted of four fours and three sixes before he was caught with his team needing 21 runs to win from 13 balls with the game looking poised for a late twist.
In the first innings of the match, he took one wicket in two overs for 19 runs as they restricted Super Giants to 158/8 in 20 overs and his half century was the highest score as they finished on 161/8 to win it with three balls remaining in the match.
Raza will be looking at continuing with his fine form when they go on to face Royal Challengers Bangalore on Thursday. – @brandon_malvin
Online Reporter