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Zimbabwean cricketer Sikandar Raza has just been crowned the new ICC No. 1 ranked all-rounder where it comes to ODI cricket. Having been in rich vein of form where it concerns the recent one day contests, Raza, a veteran of 153 ODIs for Zimbabwe, has been in scintilating form as seen in the one-dayers against Sri Lanka held at Harare.
The 39-year-old's recent scores in one day internationals include an unbeaten 59 not out (at Harare) that came right at the back of a magnificent unbeaten 92 not out against the same oppnent (and at the same venue). For close to a decade now, Sikandar Raza has been the bedrock of Zimbawbean bowling and batting unit, lending his useful contributions in both departments of the game to form a strong trinity alongside talents like Craig Ervine and Sean Williams.
The newly crowned ICC-ranked No. 1 all-rounder has so far batted in 144 ODI innings for Zimbabwe, from which he's scored 4476 runs, besides picking up no fewer than 94 ODI wickets (122 bowling innings).
Sikandar Raza has been part of Zimbabwe's ODI team for more than 12 years
To some, Sikandar Raza may seem like an off spinner who can render useful contributions with the bat, but in reality, his ubiquity can be sought from the fact that he has already hit seven centuries, besides 24 half centuries in the 50-over format. That is far more significant an effort towards his national team than someone playing the part of a part time batter known mostly for his bowling prowess.
What's more? As an off spinner, who also specialises in the art of leg break, Raza has maintained an economy of 4.8 an over in ODIs for Zimbabwe. Now, if that is not wonderful, then one wonders, what is? In the modern day template of the sport that, more often than not, leans towards fast-paced scoring, to have someone like Raza in the team or the playing eleven, pays richly.
