Zimbabwe’s all-rounder cricket star Sikandar Raza has created history by becoming the first Zimbabwe player to win the ICC Men's Player of the Month award.
"I'm incredibly humbled and honoured to have won the player of the month award from the ICC – more humbling that I’m the first Zimbabwean to ever win such an award," Raza said.
Raza joins the cream of cricket players who won the ICC monthly award. He took time to thank his team mates and technical team:
"I would like to thank everybody who has been in the change room with me over the past three to four months – that goes out to the technical staff and to the players. Without you guys this would not have been possible.
And of course, the fans.
"Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the fans in Zimbabwe and overseas for all your prayers, for all your wishes...they were well received and I’m forever grateful."
Raza beat New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner and England star Ben Stokes to claim the monthly award for August, with the 36-year-old scoring three ODI centuries during the month alone.
Raza's three centuries for the month came against world-class attacks, with the right-hander's unbeaten 135 against Bangladesh at the start of the month arguably the pick of the bunch.
Zimbabwe were in trouble at 62/3 chasing 304 for the win when Raza and team-mate Innocent Kaia put together a massive 192-run stand for the fourth wicket.
Raza was the aggressor of the two and batted right up until the end, remaining unbeaten on 135 from just 109 balls as Zimbabwe scripted a memorable win over the Tigers.
In the next match, the hosts were in dire straits yet again at 49/4 chasing 292 when Raza once again pulled off the rescue act. This time, it was Regis Chakabva who kept him company.
Yet again, Raza (117* off 127 balls) batted through right up until the end to guide his side to the second win in a row, ensuring Zimbabwe won the series.
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