Raza in milestone

WEDNESDAY, December 11 will be a day that Zimbabwe T20I captain Sikandar Raza will always cherish, as he was presented with his 100th T20I cap by Craig Ervine during the opening match of their on-going series against Afghanistan at Harare Sports Club.

Eleven years after making his debut for the Chevrons against Bangladesh at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Raza has been a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s T20 side, setting numerous records in the game’s shortest format. Throughout his distinguished career, the 38-year-old all-rounder has broken several records in Zimbabwean colours.

Some of these include the most Player of the Match awards in T20Is (17), the most runs in an innings by a captain (133 runs, only behind Aaron Finch’s 172), the most 50s in consecutive innings (five), the most sixes in an innings (15 sixes, the fourth most), the third-best figures in an innings by a captain, and the third-highest partnership for the fifth wicket (141 runs not out with Clive Madande).

**ZC managing director Givemore Makoni hands over to Sikandar Raza an appreciation accolade after the latter reached 100 T20I games for Zimbabwe**

Raza described reaching 100 T20I matches for Zimbabwe as a humbling experience and expressed his gratitude to all who had supported him on his journey.

“I just want to thank God. It has been a tough journey, I never thought I would reach 100 (T20I matches). To see myself standing here, if it wasn’t for the love and support from the fans, the nation, the board, my teammates, and the support staff in the dressing room, I wouldn’t be here,” said Raza after the game.

He also took to social media to share his thanks. Making the occasion even more special was Zimbabwe’s first-ever T20I win over Afghanistan in five years.

“Firstly, I thank ALLAH and all the prayers I’ve had over the years. A milestone made even more special because of the win. Thank you Zimbabwe for accepting me. Thank you Zimbabwe Cricket for the opportunities, and lastly, thank you to my teammates and Zimbabweans for the love and support I’ve received over the years. I am forever grateful, and In Sha Allah, we continue together as a team,” he posted on social media.

In his 100 T20I appearances for Zimbabwe, Raza has scored 2 306 runs, including one century and 14 half-centuries, at an average of 26,20. He is Zimbabwe’s leading run-scorer in the format.

With the ball, he has claimed 77 wickets, with best figures of 5/18. He is also the Chevrons’ leading wicket-taker in T20Is. Raza was named captain of the T20I side in November last year.

Raza and his Chevrons will be back in action today for the second match against Afghanistan at Harare Sports Club. Zimbabwe leads the three-match series 1-0 after winning the opener by four wickets. The third and final match is scheduled for tomorrow at the same venue. Both matches start at 1.30pm.