Sikandar Raza’s exceptional all-round performance proved pivotal as Zimbabwe clinched a resounding six-wicket victory over the Netherlands in their Cricket World Cup Group A qualifier on Tuesday.
After displaying his prowess with the ball by securing four Dutch wickets, Raza further showcased his talent with the bat, hammering an entertaining unbeaten century off a mere 54 deliveries. This remarkable feat not only earned him accolades but also etched his name as the Zimbabwean player with the fastest hundred in one-day internationals (ODIs).
Batting first, the Netherlands set a formidable target of 315 for six wickets, with Vikramjit Singh contributing 88 runs, skipper Scott Edwards adding 83, and Max O’Dowd scoring 59. Saqib Zulfiqar’s unbeaten 34 off 34 balls further bolstered their total within the allotted 50 overs at Harare Sports Club.
Raza emerged as the standout bowler, claiming four wickets for 55 runs in his ten overs. Zimbabwe’s run chase appeared comfortable throughout, thanks to Sean Williams’ rapid 91 off 58 balls, supported by the contributions of openers Craig Ervine (50 runs) and Joylord Gumbie (40 runs).
Ultimately, it was Raza who sealed the victory in style, smashing a winning six over mid-off, clearing the boundary with a strike of immense power. His display of aggressive batting included three consecutive sixes off Shariz Ahmad.
“I just wanted to go out there,” expressed the 37-year-old Pakistani-born all-rounder, who secured the win with a significant 55 balls remaining. “The platform was already set, I just wanted to stay humble and respect every ball, but it was there, I went for it. As long as we win the game, we are happy, and we are happy for each other’s performance.”
In another Group A match, Nepal, who suffered an opening defeat to Zimbabwe, triumphed over the United States by six wickets. Shayan Jahangir, born in Karachi and serving as wicketkeeper, played a crucial role with an unbeaten century, helping the US team reach a total of 207 all out off 49 overs after recovering from a precarious 18 for four wickets. Sushant Modani (42) and Gajanand Singh (26) made notable contributions, but the remaining batsmen struggled, with only two reaching double digits. Karan Khatri Chhetri and Gulsan Jha combined to claim seven wickets for Nepal.
Nepal comfortably chased down the target, with Bhim Sharki’s unbeaten 77 and contributions of 39 runs each from Kushal Bhurtel and Dipendra Singh Airee. They secured victory with 42 balls to spare, ending at 211 for four wickets.
The United States suffered their second defeat after previously losing to the West Indies in their opening game.
The tournament continues on Wednesday with Group B matches featuring Ireland against Scotland and Oman taking on the United Arab Emirates in Bulawayo.
Only two out of the ten participating teams in this three-week qualifier will secure a spot in the World Cup, scheduled to be held in India in October and November.
