Sikandar Raza Biography: Early Life | Cricket Journey | Domestic And International Career | Social Causes |
Sikandar Raza is a prominent professional Zimbabwean cricketer hailing from Zimbabwe. Born in Sialkot, Pakistan, Raza has emerged as a key figure in Zimbabwean cricket, showcasing his skills as an all-rounder.
Early Life And Education
Raza was born in Sialkot, Pakistan, on 24 April 1986 to a Kashmiri family. He studied at the Pakistan Air Force Public School Lower Topa and dreamed of becoming a fighter pilot, but his vision failed him.
He moved to Zimbabwe with his family in 2002 and later pursued a degree in software engineering at the Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland, where he played semi-professional cricket.
Sikandar Raza Domestic and T20 Franchise Career
Sikandar Raza Biography [Image: Instagram/@srazab24]
Raza’s cricketing career began in Pakistan, where he played at the domestic level before immigrating to Zimbabwe in 2001. He started his domestic career in Zimbabwe in 2007, playing for Northern and then Southern Rocks.
He switched to Mashonaland Eagles in 2011 and became one of the best batsmen in the domestic circuit. He also played for various T20 franchises around the world, such as Chittagong Vikings, Lahore Qalandars, Peshawar Zalmi, Rangpur Riders, Montreal Tigers, Northern Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders.
Sikandar Raza International Career
Sikandar Raza Biography [Image: Instagram/@srazab24]
Raza made his ODI debut against Bangladesh on 3 May 2013 and scored 23 runs. He made his Test debut against Pakistan on 3 September 2013 and scored 60 runs in the first innings.
Raza scored his maiden Test century against Sri Lanka on 16 July 2017, making 127 runs and sharing a record-breaking partnership of 281 runs with Malcolm Waller. He also took seven wickets in the same match, becoming only the second Zimbabwean to score a century and take five wickets in a Test.
Raza is known for his aggressive batting style and his ability to score runs quickly. He has scored seven ODI centuries and six T20I fifties so far.
He is also a useful off-spinner who can provide breakthroughs when needed. Raza has taken 34 Test wickets, 76 ODI wickets and 38 T20I wickets to date. He is regarded as one of the best all-rounders in Zimbabwe’s cricket history.
Batting Prowess
Sikandar Raza Biography [Image: Instagram/@srazab24]
As an all-rounder, Raza has displayed versatility and consistency with both bat and ball. He is a capable middle-order batsman known for his gritty and resilient approach at the crease. Raza has contributed valuable runs to the Zimbabwean team, often steadying the innings during challenging situations.
Bowling Skills
In addition to his batting prowess, Raza’s right-arm off-spin bowling has proven to be a valuable asset. He has a knack for picking up crucial wickets and has often been entrusted with the responsibility of breaking partnerships. Raza’s variations and control over his deliveries make him a formidable opponent for any batting lineup.
Sikandar Raza Leadership and Social Causes
Sikandar Raza Biography [Image: Instagram/@srazab24]
Raza is also a leader on and off the field. He has captained Zimbabwe in some matches and has been vocal about the issues facing Zimbabwe cricket. He has also been involved in various social causes, such as supporting education for underprivileged children and raising awareness about cancer.
