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Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
SIKANDAR Raza was involved in a winning start to the Caribbean Premier League with his team, three-time champions Trinbago Knight Riders when they defeated Guyana Amazon Warriors by four wickets in their opening fixture at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday.
The Zimbabwean all-rounder, a middle order batsman and off spinner opened the bowling with Pakistani fast bowler Ali Khan in his debut appearance in the CPL. Raza bowled just one over that went for seven runs as Guyana Amazon Warriors were restricted to 144/5 in 20 overs.
Opening batsman, Sunile Narine top scored with off 28 deliveries to walk away with the man of the match award as Trinbago Knights Riders posted 147/6 in 16.4 overs, to win the match with 20 balls to spare. Narine had earlier on taken two wickets for 19 runs with his off spin.
Raza came in to bat at number eight but faced no delivery in the time he spent at the crease, with Darren Bravo knocking off the winning runs at the other end. Next up for Raza and his teammates is a clash with Jamaica Tallawahs on Thursday before they face Barbados Tridents on Sunday.
Trinbago Knight Riders, coached by former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum are the most successful team in the history of the CPL since the tournament started in 2013 as they have been champions in 2015, 2017 and 2018. With all the matches being played at their two home grounds, Brian Lara Stadium and Queen’s Park Oval, Trinbago Knight Riders will certainly look to take full advantage to claim their fourth title.
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Online Reporter