[WATCH]- Sikandar Raza Takes An Extraordinary Catch During The Northamptonshire vs Worcestershire Vitality Blast Match

Zimbabwe standout all-rounder Sikandar Raza took a captivating catch to send Adam Hose back to the pavilion in the Vitality Blast encounter between Northamptonshire and Worcestershire on Friday (June 7). Hose was dismissed after scoring 30 runs from 21 deliveries, which included two sixes and an equal number of boundaries.

The wicket occurred during the 13th over of Worcestershire’s innings. Saif Zaib delivered a pitched-up ball, prompting Hose to attempt a shot over long-off. Raza, however, sprinted to his right and executed a diving catch just inside the boundary, stunning everyone with his athleticism.

Sikandar Raza, you can't do that 😮🤯 pic.twitter.com/kUeA6SUKrF

— Vitality Blast (@VitalityBlast) June 7, 2024

In pursuit of 170 runs, the stunning catch caused Worcestershire’s score to drop to 94/5 in 12.1 overs. During the game, Raza remained unbeaten on 42 runs from 31 balls, featuring three sixes and two boundaries.

He formed an undefeated 79-run partnership with Saif Zaib for the fifth wicket. Sikandar Raza currently holds the fourth position in the ICC T20I all-rounders rankings. The 38-year-old recently achieved the milestone of becoming the first player to register five consecutive 50s in the format.

With over 200 T20 appearances under his belt, including stints in IPL, CPL, PSL, BPL, and LPL, he is making his debut season in England’s T20 tournament. He was also nominated for the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year award.

What’s the reason behind Zimbabwe, led by Sikandar Raza, not participating in the 2024 T20 World Cup?

Sikandar Raza’s Zimbabwe is absent from the current 2024 T20 World Cup because they didn’t qualify in the African qualifiers. Namibia and Uganda secured their spots, leaving Zimbabwe out of the 20-team ICC event held in the USA and the West Indies.

Zimbabwe only managed to win four out of six games, while Uganda and Namibia won five and six matches, respectively. Zimbabwe suffered losses against both teams in the African qualifiers, including a surprising defeat to Uganda.

Sikandar Raza has expressed confidence in the young players to perform well in T20Is leading up to the 2026 T20 World Cup. He recently stated to ESPNCricinfo:

“Because we are not going to the World Cup, we want to rebuild the team. We want to secure our future in all three formats. The senior guys will be there for a bit longer in ODIs and Tests, but in T20s we are trying to build a new team. The long-term vision is for these guys to gain the confidence from T20s to filter into ODIs and Tests.”

“I can tell those youngsters that we tried our hardest (in the qualifiers) but it wasn’t meant to be. For those coming into the changing room, there’s still the right guidance available. Hopefully, our advice and guidance will help you kids cross that hurdle, and get to the World Cup if you ever have to play the qualifiers,” he added.

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