Sikandar Raza (born 24 April 1986) is a professional cricketer who represents the Zimbabwe national cricket team. Born in Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan, Raza migrated to Zimbabwe with his family in 2002 and qualified to play for the country after meeting residency requirements.
Early life and domestic career
Raza attended St. John’s College in Harare, where he began playing cricket at the school level. He made his first‑class debut for the Mashonaland Eagles in the 2009–10 Logan Cup. Over subsequent seasons, he established himself as an all‑rounder, contributing as a right‑handed batsman and a right‑arm medium‑pace bowler. In domestic limited‑overs competitions, he has also been utilized as a part‑time off‑spinner.
International career
Raza made his One Day International (ODI) debut for Zimbabwe against Bangladesh on 18 November 2013. He earned his first Test cap on 1 August 2014, also versus Bangladesh. As of 2024, his international appearances include:
- Test cricket: Over 20 matches, with a batting average in the mid‑30s and several half‑centuries.
- ODI cricket: More than 120 matches, exceeding 2,600 runs at an average above 30, and taking a notable number of wickets (over 70) with a best bowling figure of 5/26.
- Twenty‑20 International (T20I) cricket: Over 60 matches, contributing both with the bat (averaging around 30) and ball (economy rate generally below 7 runs per over).
Raza is recognized for his versatility, capable of opening the batting, stabilizing the middle order, and providing useful seam or spin options. He has captained the Zimbabwe side in limited‑overs formats on several occasions, particularly when senior players have been unavailable.
Notable achievements
- Scored his first ODI century (108 runs) against Ireland in 2015.
- Recorded the best bowling figures for a Zimbabwean bowler in a World Cup match (5/26 against Pakistan, 2015).
- Played a pivotal role in Zimbabwe’s victory over India in the 2022 Asia Cup (though Zimbabwe is not a regular participant, the match was an exhibition).
- Awarded the ICC’s ‘Emerging Player of the Year’ nomination in 2015 (did not win).
Playing style
Raza’s batting is characterized by a solid defensive technique combined with the ability to accelerate scoring in the latter stages of an innings. His medium‑pace bowling frequently exploits seam movement on sub‑continental and African pitches, while his occasional off‑spin provides additional variation.
Personal life
Raza holds dual heritage, with familial roots in Pakistan and an upbringing in Zimbabwe. He is married and has been involved in charitable initiatives focused on youth sports development in Harare.
Statistics (as of September 2024)
- Test: 23 matches, 1,450 runs, average 35.12, 4 fifties; 25 wickets, average 38.40.
- ODI: 124 matches, 2,680 runs, average 31.5, 3 centuries, 12 fifties; 71 wickets, average 32.85.
- T20I: 66 matches, 1,380 runs, average 29.8, 7 fifties; 34 wickets, average 28.70.
References
- ESPNcricinfo player profile: Sikandar Raza.
- International Cricket Council (ICC) records and match archives.
- Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) official website.
