On November 27, Zimbabwean cricketer Sikandar Raza achieved a significant milestone in his cricketing career by becoming the first male player from his country to secure a hat-trick in T20 Internationals. This remarkable feat was accomplished during Zimbabwe's game against Rwanda in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Region Qualifier 2023, held at the Wanderers Cricket Ground in Windhoek.
Raza's exceptional bowling performance, culminating in figures of 2.4-0-3-3, played a crucial role in dismissing Rwanda for just 71 runs in 18.4 overs. Zimbabwe, having set a formidable target of 215, benefitted greatly from Raza's hat-trick, which included the wickets of Muhammad Nadir, Zappy Bimenyimana, and Emile Rukiriza.
In addition to his bowling prowess, Raza demonstrated his batting skills by scoring a swift 58 off 36 balls, which included six fours and four sixes. He also forged a substantial 99-run partnership for the first wicket with Tadiwanashe Marumani. This all-around performance came just a day after Raza was retained by the Punjab Kings for the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The victory over Rwanda positioned Zimbabwe fourth in the tournament standings, accumulating four points and a net run rate of +2.276. Their next match is scheduled against Nigeria on November 29.
Remarkably, Raza is the third Zimbabwean to achieve a T20I hat-trick, joining the ranks of Nomvelo Sibanda and Audrey Mazvishaya. Sibanda was the first Zimbabwean to claim a hat-trick in T20Is during the Capricorn Women's Tri-Series against Namibia in April 2022 at the Centre for Cricket Development Ground in Windhoek. She took the wickets of Jurriene Diergaardt, Kayleen Green, and Sune Wittmann.
Mazvishaya followed suit with her hat-trick against Thailand on April 25, 2023, at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok, dismissing Rosenan Kanoh, Suleeporn Laomi, and Onnicha Kamchomphu.
Raza's achievement is a testament to his skill and versatility as a cricketer, highlighting his valuable contribution to Zimbabwean cricket both as a batsman and a bowler. His hat-trick is not only a personal milestone but also a significant moment in Zimbabwe's cricket history.
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