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‘Ye toh elite list main aagaya’ – Fans react as Sikandar Raza nears Virat Kohli’s unique record in T20Is

Sikandar Raza has been displaying his amazing skills for Zimbabwe in all forms of the game.

by
December 8, 2023

Sikandar Raza, the captain of Zimbabwe, guided his team to a thrilling victory over Ireland. This amazing display took place in the first T20I during their three-match series. He was able to showcase his amazing talent and tenacity during the match. Fans were glued to their seats as Raza’s all-around skill with the bat and ball was highlighted in their exciting game.

Ireland set a difficult target of 147-8 on a scrappy surface at the Harare Sports Club. But Sikandar Raza’s ability to spin the bowl was vital. Three wickets fell to his well-timed deliveries, including the wicket of Andy Balbirnie. The former Ireland skipper amassed a formidable 32 runs during the first innings as Ireland reached 147. Raza’s amazing performance with the ball was crucial in setting up the platform for his side.

Sikandar Raza came at number four, showed amazing skill by scoring 65 runs off 42 balls. He was able to smash two sixes as well as five fours in his innings and he was the key to Zimbabwe’s victory. However, Raza’s exit left Zimbabwe requiring 11 runs off nine deliveries with only two wickets remaining when he was caught by Ireland’s skipper Paul Stirling from Mark Adair’s bowling.

After Richard Ngarava was dismissed, Zimbabwe saw themselves at 146 with just a single wicket left. The tension inside the stadium was on an all-time high as both teams wanted the win desperately. Blessing Muzarabani faced his first ball and scored two vital runs off the last delivery in an exciting end to the game. This unexpected change in circumstances helped Zimbabwe win by an exciting wicket.

Sikander Raza nears Virat Kohli in epic record

Raza’s performance throughout the game earned him the title of player of the match. Consequently, he is only one behind Team India’s superstar Virat Kohli in terms of the most player-of-the-match accolades.

Virat Kohli has won the award 15 times in Men’s T20I cricket. Meanwhile, Sikandar Raza is just one behind the Team India maestro with 14 Player of the match honours. Since there are still two more T20Is left in the series, it would not be hard to expect the all-rounder to overtake Kohli in this elite list.

Fans react as Sikander Raza nears Virat Kohli’s unique record in T20Is: –

Most Player of the match awards in Men's T20I:
Virat Kohli – 15 (115 matches)
Sikandar Raza – 14 (78 matches)
Mohammad Nabi – 14 (109 matches)
Suryakumar Yadav – 13 (58 matches)
Rohit Sharma – 12 (148 matches) pic.twitter.com/WehgCgSNBr
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 8, 2023

Sikandar Raza is the star that keeps shining in Zimbabwe cricket. He's the face of it. Batting bowling turns the game on his own.
— Anurag Rekhi (@Dravidict) December 8, 2023