RAZA IN 2022 ICC T20I TEAM OF THE YEAR
SIKANDAR Raza has been named in the ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year 2022 for his impressive performances with his allround exploits last year.
Raza had displayed some outstanding performances with bat and ball in Zimbabwe’s T20Is. He was at the centre of all things good that happened for Zimbabwe Cricket during the year, with the all-rounder putting in one brilliant performance after another in the shortest format.
Not only was he the leading scorer for Zimbabwe with 735 runs, but he also led the wickets chart for them, scalping 25 wickets at an excellent economy rate of 6.13.
He was the Player of the Tournament at the T20 World Cup Qualifier B in July and carried his form into the marquee event, winning Player of the Match thrice, including Zimbabwe’s epic win over Pakistan in Perth.
Meanwhile, the one-day international decider between Zimbabwe and Ireland at Harare Sports Club yesterday was washed out and declared a no-result, leaving the two sides to share the trophy after drawing the series 1-1.
Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine won the toss, opted to bat and his side made 55-1 in 13 overs when play was halted, never to resume.
The home team won a rain-affected first match by three wickets and lost the second by 46 runs. Zimbabwe won the preceding Twenty20 series 2-1.
Harry Tector was named player of the series for his 176 runs in two games.
Ireland skipper Paul Stirling said that it was a fair result ,but was disappointed that they couldn’t play the third ODI.
“I think it’s a fair result. Disappointed we couldn’t get out there, it was a good series. We have the balance now. You also need experience at the top. It’s a good strength. It’s exciting, we really want to give everything against Bangladesh.
Ireland are yet to directly qualify for the ODI World Cup later this year. If they fail to do so, they will have to play in the qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe.
“Hopefully we can get through (to the World Cup). If not, we know we’ll come back here and give another nudge. Zimbabwe, we always enjoy coming here. Brilliant cricket, we love playing here,” Stirling added.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe skipper Craig Ervine appreciated the competition against Ireland. “It’s been a very well-fought series. It is always competitive against Ireland. Hard fought, but guys are good friends off the field.”
Zimbabwe will next play a Test series against West Indies next month.