Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza expressed disappointment at not being able to stay in the middle until the very end in the first T20I against Ireland, where Zimbabwe secured a one-wicket victory at the Harare Sports Club on December 7. Raza played a crucial role, scoring 65 runs off 42 balls with five fours and two sixes.
“I am never a guy who looks into personal performances. I was gutted to have not finished the game. The little knock from Clive Madande was very crucial. Wessley got out at a wrong time,” Raza was quoted as saying after the match.
However, with the hosts needing 11 runs off nine balls, Mark Adair dismissed Raza. The game came down to the wire, with Zimbabwe needing two runs off the final ball, and Blessing Muzarabani managed an inside edge for a couple to secure the win.
“Pretty happy and proud of my team. Just wanted to tell (Clive) Madande that if you remain positive, you’ll see the ball better. When you give responsibility to these guys they do well. Everything that happens stays on the field,” he announced.
Despite missing out on staying unbeaten, Raza was awarded the Player of the Match for his impressive all-round performance, finishing with figures of 4-0-28-3 with the ball. Raza acknowledged Gareth Delany for his crucial contribution, as Delany’s handy cameo of 26 runs helped Ireland set a competitive target. Delany’s two sixes and a four off Trevor Gwandu in the final over added 20 runs to Ireland’s total.
“Nice to be part of history. Credit to fans for coming out in numbers. First game under lights, cracker of a game. Thought they got five to eight too many. Credit to Delany to have batted the way he did. Happy with the chase, credit to the batters. Made mistakes here and there but important that we got over the line,” Raza attached.
The second T20I between Zimbabwe and Ireland is scheduled for Saturday, December 9, promising another exciting contest between the two teams.
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