IND vs ZIM LIVE: ICC T20 World Cup 2022: In a year to remember, Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza has often been called giant slayers. He has chosen the big teams to showcase his skills. Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid are aware of the threat Raza possess. Raza almost took Zimbabwe through against India in the ODI series. He single-handedly scripted Pakistan’s downfall and has numerous fine knocks and bowling spells to become a BIG ROADBLOCK for Team India. Follow India vs Zimbabwe LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.
Despite being quiet with the bat in the tournament so far, Raza has been dealt some major blows with the ball. With Melbourne’s pitch likely to turn a bit in the evening, he will look to continue his performance against India as well. The Men in Blue cannot take Zimbabwe lightly as they have already given a reality check to Pakistan after defeating them in the World Cup. Notably, it was Pakistan-born Raza who broke the bone of Men in Green’s batting line-up and helped his side to register a memorable victory.
2022 – A year to remember for Raza
- Sikandar Raza’s best with the bat has come in 2022
- He has played 23 T20I matches and amassed 701 runs at an average of 35.05 with his strike-rate being above 150.
- His previous best came in 2015 when he played 11 T20I games and stroked 181 runs at an average of 18.10.
- Before 2022, Raza had stroked only one fifty in the 20-over format. He has already bashed five half-centuries this year.
- Not only with the bat, but he has also outperformed himself with the ball this year.
- Before 2022, Raza had managed to scalp only 13 wickets in 38 games.
- In 2022, the off-spinner has scalped 24 wickets in 22 games bowling at an average of 17.66 with his economy rate being 6.14.
IND vs ZIM LIVE: Rohit Sharma & Rahul Dravid MUST BE wary of Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwean all-rounder could be BIG ROADBLOCK in India’s semifinal hopes, Check Why?
Raza smashed an excellent hundred during India’s tour of Zimbabwe 2022
Raza’s numbers against India are not too great, but as he has played only four T20I games against the Men in Blue and scored 39 runs. However, the talented batter showed his batting capabilities after he went on to stroke his maiden century against India during an ODI series played in August this year.
The right-handed batter came to the crease when his team was in some trouble. However, Raza took the attack against the Indian bowlers and stroked 115 runs in just 95 balls with nine fours and three maximums to his name. Despite his antics with the bat, the home team lost the encounter by 13 runs. India vs Zimbabwe LIVE: Sikandar Raza, The Man Who Could Be A Rude Jolt For India, Follow ICC T20 World Cup 2022 LIVE
Speaking about his overall numbers in T20I cricket, Raza has represented Zimbabwe in 65 games and has managed to score 1225 runs at an average of 20.76. His strike rate is a little under 130 with six fifties to his name. With the ball, he has scalped 37 wickets at an average of 26.89.
Zimbabwe and India have never met in T20 World Cups over the years but a recent white-ball tour of the African nation has certainly given the coaching staff enough data to figure out some plans against Zimbabwe and particularly Raza who is expected to play a crucial role for his side in the upcoming game.
India Squad: Rohit Sharma (captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Axar Patel, R Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rishabh Pant, Depak Hooda, Harshal Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Zimbabwe Squad: Regis Chakabva, Sean Williams, Sean Ervine, Craig Ervine (captain), Sikandar Raza, Tendai Chatara, Luke Jongwe, Brad Evans, Wesley Madhevere, Wellington Masakdazka, Tony Munyonga, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Multon Shumba
IND vs ZIM LIVE: Rohit Sharma & Rahul Dravid MUST BE wary of Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwean all-rounder could be BIG ROADBLOCK in India’s semifinal hopes, Check Why?
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