Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo Zimpapers Sports Hub
CHEVRONS stalwart Sikandar Raza has become the new number one ranked One Day International (ODI) all-rounder in the latest International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings.
The star all-rounder moved two places up to the summit of the standings after a brilliant show in a two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka at Harare Sports Club last week.
Raza, with a rating of 302, leapfrogged the Afghanistan duo of Azmatullah Omazai and Mohammad Nabi who dropped to second and third places respectively.
Despite Zimbabwe losing the series 2-0, Raza was in top form, scoring a gallant 92 runs off 87 deliveries in the first match as the Chevrons suffered a narrow seven runs loss in a last over thriller. He followed it up with another half century in the second match, remaining unbeaten on 59 runs off 55 balls in yet another last over thriller at the country’s ceremonial home of cricket.
With an average of 151, he finished as the second leading run getter in the ODI series (151 runs) behind Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka (198 runs). He picked up one wicket.
Meanwhile, teammate Sean Williams moved seven places up to number 16 with a rating of 189.
Later today, Raza – ranked number seven in the T20I all-rounder rankings will lead the Chevrons’ T20 side as the three-match T20I series gets underway at Harare Sports Club. The match is scheduled to start at 13.30pm. – @brandon_malvin
