For almost ten years, Sikandar Raza has carried Zimbabwe’s hopes with a determination that has only grown stronger with age.
At 39, he is playing some of the best cricket of his life.
A week ago in Pakistan, he became the world’s number one T20 International all-rounder. It marked a major milestone in a career built on hard work and persistence.
Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni said Raza’s achievement is historic.
He stated, “We congratulate Sikandar on becoming the world’s number one T20I all-rounder. His consistency and strength under pressure inspire every cricket fan in Zimbabwe.”
Raza’s rise has never been easy. He once dreamed of becoming a fighter pilot and only entered international cricket at 25. He said, “I started late, but I always believed I could make it if I worked hard.”
Two months before his T20I milestone, he also reached number one on the ICC ODI all-rounder rankings after a brilliant series against Sri Lanka. He scored 92 and an unbeaten 59, and delivered key spells with the ball.
Makoni said Raza’s performances were world-class. He stated, “Sikandar has shown time and again that he is a top all-rounder in white-ball cricket.”
Across 153 ODIs, Raza has scored 4 476 runs with seven centuries and taken 94 wickets. In 127 T20Is, he has made 2 883 runs, including a 133 not out, and taken 102 wickets.
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Raza said the journey has taught him resilience. “I’ve had setbacks, surgeries and moments when things looked dark. But I refused to give up,” he said.
His 2022 season remains one of the highlights of his career.
He was named in both the ICC ODI and T20I Teams of the Year after a run of outstanding performances.
By the end of 2024, he had been shortlisted for the ICC Men’s T20 Player of the Year for the third year in a row.
He said, “That recognition pushes me to work even harder.”
Even as rankings shift, Raza remains among the world’s best. Pakistan’s Saim Ayub may have reclaimed the top T20I spot recently, but Raza’s influence is still massive.
He has also become a sought-after T20 franchise player.
He has featured in the Indian Premier League and won two Pakistan Super League titles with Lahore Qalandars.
Raza travelled from Nottingham to Lahore immediately after playing a Test against England.
He stated, “When I commit, I give everything. That’s the only way I know.”
As Zimbabwe prepares for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Raza will again be central to the team’s hopes against Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland and Oman.
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