Why Sikandar Raza may be the best kept secret in international cricket

Jonhenry Wilson 04 Dec 2024

Sikandar Raza is arguably the best spinning all-rounder in world cricket nowadays.

As minnows Zimbabwe prepare to face Pakistan in a T20 series in Bulawayo starting on Sunday, it’s worth having a quick look at their skipper Sikandar Raza, who may just be the best-kept secret in international cricket.

He is a remarkable all-rounder in world cricket these days.

His ability to win matches with bat and ball – or both – is very evident.

1. Most Player of the Match Awards in T20I cricket

Raza has quietly amassed an impressive number of Man of the Match awards in T20 Internationals, a total of 17 in all from the 96 games he has played. His 17 PotM awards are one more than the 16 awarded to Indian duo Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav.

While admittedly Zimbabwe plays more games against weaker opposition than India do it’s still an achievement that puts him among the elite performers in the format. Raza’s ability to consistently deliver match-winning performances underlines his immense value to Zimbabwe and his knack for thriving under pressure against big countries such as South Africa.

2. Slaying Gambia

You don’t need to know much about cricket to know that Gambia is not a powerhouse in international cricket. But, for better or worse they still play the game. In a recent T20I played in Nairobi in October 2024 Zimbabwe posted the highest ever score in a T20I when they won the toss and batted against Gambia.

Zimbabwe got off to a flyer and when Raza came to the crease Zimbabwe were already 115 for two. What happened next was brutal – 43 balls later Raza had 133 runs as the innings closed on 344 for four. His knock included 15 maximums and seven boundaries.

3. All-round prowess

Raza is not just a batsman; his off-spin bowling has been a game-changer for Zimbabwe on multiple occasions. Whether it’s breaking partnerships with the ball or anchoring a chase with the bat, Raza’s all-round abilities make him one of the most versatile players in modern cricket.

His adaptability across formats and conditions has been instrumental for Zimbabwe’s success. His best Test bowling figures are seven for 113 while his best T20I return was five for 18. And don’t forget to add his excellent fielding and his leadership skills into the mix as well. There really is nothing he can’t do and it’s not surprising that Zimbabwe was so quick to make him their own.

4. Curious route to cricket

Born in Sialkot, Pakistan, Raza’s arrival to the international cricketing stage was very unconventional. As a youngster cricket wasn’t his passion. He wanted to be a pilot, and he was almost accepted into the Pakistani Airforce.

But it wasn’t to be and only when the fighter-pilot dream died, and he went to study in Scotland did cricket enter his life. After graduating he moved to Zimbabwe when his parents were living and that’s when things really took off. His heritage adds a unique twist to his story, making him a player with a blend of cultures and experiences that enrich his approach to the game.

Sikandar Raza may not always be in the spotlight, but his contributions on and off the field make him a cornerstone of Zimbabwean cricket and a player worthy of international attention, much like others who play for big nations such as England.