In this unforgiving arena, Sikandar Raza has emerged as one of the most complete performers of his generation.
Across 153 one day internationals, he has accumulated 4 476 runs, including seven centuries and 24 fifties, with a highest score of 141.
With the ball, he has taken 94 wickets, often breaking stalemates and providing hope when it seems there is none.
In 127 T20Is, Raza has crafted 2 883 runs, including a blazing 133 not out and 16 half-centuries. His 102 T20I wickets, including a best of five for 18, prove he is not merely a batter who bowls, but a frontline all-round threat.
Among his career highlights, Raza’s 2022 season stands out as a breakthrough year.
After enjoying a terrific run of form, it came as no surprise when he was included in the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year as well as the ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year.
At the end of 2024, he made it to the prestigious three-man shortlist for the ICC Men’s T20 Player of the Year award for the third consecutive year – a testament to his sustained excellence on the global stage.
Beyond statistics, Raza’s influence resonates far beyond the field, inspiring teammates, fans and the next generation of cricketers alike.
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As a senior player, captain and mentor, he embodies the grit, imagination and resilience that have long defined Zimbabwean cricket.
Even as rankings fluctuate – with Pakistan’s Saim Ayub reclaiming the T20I all-rounder top spot in the latest update – Raza remains among the elite white-ball all-rounders of his generation.
His influence extends beyond international cricket. In his 30s, he has risen in the T20 franchise circuit, featuring in the Indian Premier League and winning two Pakistan Super League (PSL) titles with Lahore Qalandars.
Remarkably, his second PSL triumph came after travelling straight from Nottingham to Lahore, just hours after representing Zimbabwe in a Test against England – an illustration of his relentless dedication and physical endurance.
Looking ahead, Raza is expected to play a key role at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where Zimbabwe are placed in a tough group alongside Australia, hosts Sri Lanka, Ireland, and Oman.
His experience, tactical intelligence and match-winning ability make him central to Zimbabwe’s hopes on the global stage. From a boy dreaming of the cockpit to a man at the pinnacle of world cricket, from the edge of selection to centre-stage acclaim, Raza’s story is one of perseverance, late blooming and limitless possibility.
And the beauty of it all?
The best chapters may still be unwritten.
