Sikandar Raza conjured absolute domination that sparked glimpses of history at the Harare Sports Club as the Indians inched dangerously on the verge of a defeat that could have been a damning verdict for KL Rahul’s captaincy just ahead of the Asia Cup.
However, in the end, India prevailed with a solid show of resilience, as Shubman Gill plucked out an absolute ripper to remove the hard-hitting Sikandar Raza that cemented India’s win. However, the Zimbabwean middle-order batter was absolutely unstoppable as he took out the Indian bowlers by bits and pieces.
Sikandar Raza, won all the hearts, What a year in his cricket career, absolute blockbuster at the age of 36. Take a bow, @SRazaB24. pic.twitter.com/qP40qzkMyq
Advertisement— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 22, 2022
There was absolutely no response from the Indian bowlers as they struggled to find their stride against a resilient Raza, despite bagging 7 wickets already with a mountain steep enough for the hosts to climb. However, Raza ensured that the climb went through, despite the steepness and almost guided the hosts home.
In the wake of his blistering 115 from just 95 balls where he extended his glitter from the Bangladesh series, let us have a look at three IPL teams that can plunge for this hard-hitting right-hander if he chooses to sign for the IPL auctions.
Sikandar Raza in ODIs this month:
– 135* (109) Vs Bangladesh in a 304 run chase.
– 117* (127) Vs Bangladesh in a 291 run chase.
– 115 (95) Vs India in a 290 run chase.Advertisement– Raza has been splendid for Zimbabwe this year, he's batted extraordinarily. pic.twitter.com/vDaYDxU2bR
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 22, 2022
#1 Kolkata Knight Riders
The latest edition of the tournament witnessed Kolkata Knight Riders struggling heavily in the middle-order where their overseas signings misfired on a regular basis and couldn’t sustain under pressure.
Raza’s inclusion can be a bonus for the Knights, especially at the number 4 or 5 position where he would be joined either by Shreyas or Rinku Singh who showed character in the latest edition of the tournament. He is an exceptional batter in the middle-order where he can blaze an attack or can even arrest a decline if his team needs him to.
#2 Chennai Super Kings
The Yellow Army has been showing signs of implosions especially after rumours of rifts with Jadeja. Moreover, most of their foreign additions are pretty much on the older side and they would be needing some young blood in the side.
Sikandar Raza is a matured middle-order batter who can inflict significant damage on the opposition and is an excellent game-reader that also makes him a brilliant finisher, thereby taking off a chunk of pressure from Dhoni’s shoulders.
#3 Mumbai Indians
With Pollard in his twilight, the five-time champions would be hoping to find a decent replacement for the hard-hitting Caribbean. However, at the moment they are still to come up with a decent name.
The addition of Raza can be a fine pick for the Men in Blue, given his significant striking ability and more importantly, his knack for leadership. In a spot where Hardik Pandya led by example, Raza can be the perfect finisher that Mumbai has lacked in the ongoing seasons.
