10 Interesting facts about Sikandar Raza you need to know

10 Interesting facts about Sikandar Raza you need to know: Sikandar Raza Butt is exemplified as the new wonder boy of Zimbabwe cricket. The 29-year old is known for his matchless chutzpah of stroke play and has the possession of almost all the shots in the cricket book. He looks like a very solid batsman and is dismissive hooker and puller of the ball while his adeptness to play spin makes him even more dangerous proposition for the opponent team. Sikandar is very aggressive player and generally eases pressure with his positive style of play and holds the reputation of being a big hitter in the back end of the innings.

Raza is regarded as the next big thing in Zimbabwe cricket and is expected to form the nucleus of the African nation’s batting line-up in the years to come.

Today, CricTracker unveils 10 Interesting facts about Sikandar Raza you need to know:

1. Born in Pakistan:

Sikandar Raza was born on 24 April 1986 in Sialkot in North-East Pakistan. Raza moved to Zimbabwe in 2002 with his family but had his share of citizenship problems. He was granted Zimbabwean citizenship only in 2011.

2.  Dream of becoming an Air Force pilot:

Don’t rub your eyes in surprise, at only 11, Sikandar Raza dreamt of becoming an Air Force pilot. Raza even studied at Pakistan Air Force Public School Lower Topa for three years before his dream got shattered as he failed a vision test.

3. Graduation:

The prodigal Zimbabwe batsman didn’t leave hope of doing something good in his life after his dream got thrashed. Raza completed his bachelor’s degree in software engineering from Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland. It was here that he started playing semi-professional cricket and realized his potential in the sport.

4. Professional cricket:

Sikandar started playing First Class cricket in 2007 for Northerns but it was only in 2010/11 after completing his studies, that he started playing full-time cricket. In his very first season, he scored 625 runs at an average of 41 while he was the leading run-scorer in the 2010 Stanbic Bank 20 Competition.

Also Read – Top 10 Longest sixes in international Cricket

5. Role model:

Sikandar Raza’s biggest source of inspiration is his Grandfather whom he considers as his role model. Sikandar’s Grandpa taught him a lot about life which even reaps fruit for him in cricket and for him there is nothing more lovely than the very game and he didn’t get into cricket after watching any player in particular.

6. Moment of fame:

Sikandar Raza became a household name after his exploits against India. He hammered 82 runs which included 6 boundaries and 2 sixes. It was only his fourth ODI but his exuberant stroke play earned him plaudits from cricket pundits as well as fans.

7. Inconsistency- the biggest enemy:

Though, there has never been a doubt about his talent but yet his erratic performances have been his biggest foe. So, far Raza has accumulated 907 runs in 34 ODI’s at an average of 30 which doesn’t do justice to his talent. The 29-yaer old has a tendency of playing loose strokes which has been the biggest reason of his downfall.

8. Relaxed on Pakistan tour:

When Zimbabwe decided to tour Pakistan, at that time there were many voices demanding the cancellation of the series due to the Lahore terrorist attack of 2009 on Sri Lankan players. But, Raza was very cool about the tour and seemed the most relaxed player when other Zimbabwean’s looked a bit nervous. His voice was very significant at a time when voting of players was done regarding the tour.

9. Pakistan tour changed his fortunes:

In the lead up to the series, his place in the side was in jeopardy after his lack luster performances in World Cup 2015. Dav Whatmore backed Raza in every way he could have and he didn’t disappoint the Coach, he smashed an 84 ball 100 in 2^nd ODI match at Lahore while he also plundered a ton against New Zealand, today (100*).

10. Humble:

Sikandar Raza is one of the humblest of persons you would ever come across. Raza always expresses gratitude and is grateful to the almighty and his family for each and every thing, he has achieved in his life. He is a premiere batsman but doesn’t mind learning some good shots even from a tail-ender which is a testimony of his modesty.