Raza makes history, named ICC Player of the Month for August

All-rounder Sikandar Raza has created history by becoming the first Zimbabwe player to win the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award.

Raza beat New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner and England star Ben Stokes to claim the monthly award for August, with the 36-year-old scoring three ODI centuries during the month alone.

It means Raza joins an illustrious group of players to have won the ICC monthly gong and becomes the first from Zimbabwe to do so.

Understandably, Raza was over the moon to add the award to his ever-improving cricket resume.

“I’m incredibly humbled and honoured to have won the player of the month award from the ICC – more humbling that I’m the first Zimbabwean to ever win such an award,” Raza said.

“I would like to thank everybody who has been in the changeroom with me over the past three to four months – that goes out to the technical staff and to the players. Without you guys this would not have been possible.

“Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the fans in Zimbabwe and overseas for all your prayers, for all your wishes…they were well received and I’m forever grateful.”

Former South Africa international and ICC Player of the Month voting panel member, JP Duminy said: “Sikandar has really blossomed into a fine all-rounder, and more importantly has shown supreme consistency against some of the top teams in the world. It’s exciting to see what comes next for him.”

Raza’s three centuries for the month came against world-class attacks, with the right-hander’s unbeaten 135 against Bangladesh at the start of the month arguably the pick of the bunch.

Zimbabwe were in trouble at 62/3 chasing 304 for the win when Raza and team-mate Innocent Kaia put together a massive 192-run stand for the fourth wicket.

Raza was the aggressor of the two and batted right up until the end, remaining unbeaten on 135 from just 109 balls as Zimbabwe scripted a memorable win over the Tigers.

In the next match, the hosts were in dire straits yet again at 49/4 chasing 292 when Raza once again pulled off the rescue act. This time, it was Regis Chakabva who kept him company.

Yet again, Raza (117* off 127 balls) batted through right up until the end to guide his side to the second win in a row as Zimbabwe took an unassailable lead in the series.

He was also Zimbabwe’s star with the ball and despite bowling the difficult overs in the death, ended up with impressive figures of 3/56 from his 10 overs.

Raza almost pulled it off in the final ODI against India as well but unlike the previous occasions, found little support from the other end. Chasing 290, he was at the crease until the penultimate over. The 95-ball 115 went in vain as India held their nerve in the final stages to complete a whitewash.

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has congratulated Raza on his latest achievement.

“You have been enjoying an absolutely sensational year and after watching your terrific performances with the bat – including three centuries – against Bangladesh and India in August, I had no doubt you were miles ahead of the other nominees for the global accolade,” ZC Managing Director Givemore Makoni said.

“On behalf of Zimbabwe Cricket, I wish to extend our heartiest congratulations to you on achieving this well-deserved recognition, a clear testament to your hard work and determination over the years.”