Sikandar Raza Reflects on Historic SA20 Participation and T20 World Cup Preparations
Sikandar Raza's Historic SA20 Journey
Sikandar Raza, a seasoned all-rounder from Zimbabwe, recently shared insights about being the first player from his nation to participate in the SA20 franchise league in South Africa. He discussed his journey in the T20 circuit and Zimbabwe's strategy to acclimatize to conditions in Sri Lanka ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Raza, who plays for Paarl Royals, spoke to the media following his team's match against MI Cape Town, where he delivered an impressive bowling performance, taking 4 wickets for just 13 runs, helping restrict MI Cape Town to a mere 88 runs. Paarl Royals successfully chased down the target, winning by seven wickets with seven overs to spare.
Opening Doors for Zimbabwean Cricketers
Reflecting on his role as the first Zimbabwean in the league, Raza expressed his hope that his success would pave the way for future players from Zimbabwe. He stated, "The idea is to create opportunities for others. When a Zimbabwean excels in a league, it often leads to more chances for fellow players." He emphasized his gratitude for being the first to represent Zimbabwe in SA20 and his desire for his achievements to inspire others.
Gratitude and Determination
Raza reminisced about his earlier days, watching other players thrive in global T20 leagues and wondering when his opportunity would arise. Now that he has made his mark, he is determined not to take it for granted. "I used to pray for moments like this, and I am thankful for every chance I've received," he remarked.
A Successful T20 Career
Since beginning his international career in 2013, Raza has established himself as a formidable T20 player, contributing significantly with both bat and ball. His experience spans various leagues, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Punjab Kings, the International League T20 (ILT20) in the UAE, and Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA. With over 6,775 runs and 223 wickets in T20 matches, Raza's impact on the circuit is undeniable.
Preparing for the T20 World Cup
Raza expressed excitement about participating in both ILT20 and SA20 before the T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7. He believes that playing in these leagues will keep him and his teammates in good form leading up to the tournament. Zimbabwe is placed in Group B alongside Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland, and Oman, with their first match against Oman in Colombo on February 9. Raza mentioned that the team plans to arrive in Sri Lanka a week early to adapt to the local conditions.
Adapting to Sri Lankan Conditions
Raza noted, "We have some understanding of Sri Lankan conditions, but we will finalize our strategies upon arrival. Arriving a week before our first warm-up match will give us ample time to adjust." He emphasized the importance of hard work and preparation in facing any conditions.
Playing with Heart and Courage
Raza highlighted the significance of the World Cup for Zimbabwean cricket, stating that performing well could enhance the country's reputation in the sport. He acknowledged Australia's dominance in T20 cricket but remained optimistic, saying, "On any given day, anything can happen. We must train diligently and play with courage. The results will follow if we focus on our game."