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THE year 2023 was largely forgettable for Zimbabwe Cricket, but, two names reigned supreme at an individual level — Sikandar Raza and Richard Ngarava.
The two were named in the ICC Men’s T20 Team of the Year, with Raza making a second appearance.
Our Correspondent BRIGHTON ZHAWI caught up with Ngarava for a quick chat on his storied achievements and the secret behind his rich vein of form that has also taken him to the Bangladesh Premier League and International League T20 in UAE.
Question: Congratulations on making the ICC T20 Team of the Year. How does it feel?
Answer: I feel happy to be part of the ICC team of the year . . . it is indeed a great feeling.
Q: Your game has shifted to another level, you are picking wickets, bowling quicker, and playing with confidence. What do you attribute that to?
A: Opportunities, wanting to be the best and God’s timing got me to where I am today. Not forgetting all the sweating Walter Karimanzira (Chevron’s fitness trainer) made me go through.
“Bowling to stop the batters from scoring”, a statement from Dave Houghton which made his first meeting with the team take only three minutes and 42 seconds. (Laughs).
Not forgetting my lovely wife, God’s favourite, she has been there for me through the toughest of times.
God is only starting to do big things with me, and I am grateful for the journey so far.
All this is confirmation of Proverbs 18:21 which reads “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit”. I just personalised that verse and it became me. It’s all about zeal, hard work, working smart, and believing in yourself against all odds.
Q: Tell me more about your other favourite phrase, “ Game changer”.
A: I got it from a sermon by my Apostle back in 2020, where he was preaching about being a “game changer” in your family or any tough situation. I personalised that sermon and from that day until now — changing games is all I want to do now. It can be breaking big partnerships, taking big wickets, or scoring runs, I want to be the person to do that.
Q: With the way you are enjoying T20 cricket at the moment, I guess you have your eyes set on playing in more major T20 leagues across the world.
A: Well, God willing, if opportunities come, I am grabbing them with open arms. Hopefully, more is coming.
Q: Is T20 cricket your favourite format?
A: White ball cricket, both ODI and T20, is my favourite form. My academy coach (Stuart Matsikenyeri) always wanted me to play Test Cricket, and he feels I am quite good at it. However, I prefer white ball cricket.
Q: You are one of the 22 Zimbabwean bowlers to pick at least 50 ODI wickets, and you are also the country’s second-highest wicket-taker in T20 internationals. Do such records matter to you? I can add that you are sixth among the players with the most maidens in T20 internationals.
A: They do, big time! Breaking and setting records is on the vision board I wrote back in 2016 when I was in the Zimbabwe Under-19 squad. That’s what leaders do, they break and set new records. Hopefully, I will take even more wickets to surpass the legend Heath Streak (may his soul rest in peace).
Q: Zimbabwe didn’t do well in 2023 suffering another Qualifier heartbreak. How have you personally dealt with that?
A: It is heartbreaking but, sometimes, God has his ways of doing things. It has been a journey of learning the hard way, and we can only take the lessons and move on.
Q: This makes the 2027 World Cup kind of special right?
A: Definitely! Hopefully, a couple of games will be played at my home grounds Takashinga and Harare Sports Club.
Q: Well, something to smile about, Zimbabwe won the ICC Spirit of the Cricket award for that gesture by Willo and Raza after beating West Indies in the Qualifier.
A: Sean and Raza are more like the leaders of the Spirit of the Team thing, they have so much respect for the game.
Recently there was an incident where Sadeera edged the ball and then he walked without the umpire raising his finger. Sean Williams and I ran towards him saying ‘Serious sportsmanship bud, enough respect’.
We are always being taught such things by our seniors, and it is something we will carry forward as a team.
Online Reporter