[Watch] Sikandar Raza pulls off incredible catch in Northants vs Worcs Vitality Blast match
Zimbabwe star all-rounder Sikandar Raza pulled off a riveting catch to dismiss Adam Hose in the Vitality Blast match between Northamptonshire and Worcestershire on Friday (June 7). Hose departed for 30 runs off 21 balls, including two sixes and as many boundaries.
The dismissal came in the 13th over of Worcestershire’s run chase. Saif Zaib bowled a pitched-up delivery and Hose pounced on it to play it over the long-off. Raza, however, ran to his right before taking a diving catch inches inside the boundary ropes, leaving everyone in awe.
Chasing 170, the spectacular catch reduced Worcestershire to 94/5 in 12.1 overs.
In the match, Raza scored an unbeaten 42 off 31 deliveries in an innings laced with three sixes and two boundaries. He shared an unbeaten 79-run partnership with Saif Zaib for the fifth wicket.
Sikandar Raza is currently ranked fourth in the ICC T20I all-rounders rankings. The 38-year-old recently became the first player to hit five consecutive 50s in the format. He has played over 200 T20s, including IPL, CPL, PSL, BPL and LPL. He is playing his first season in England’s T20 tournament. He was recently nominated for the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year award.
Why Sikandar Raza’s Zimbabwe are not playing in 2024 T20 World Cup?
Sikandar Raza’s Zimbabwe are not playing in the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup as they failed to qualify in the African qualifiers. Namibia and Uganda pipped Zimbabwe to make it to the 20-member ICC event in the USA and the West Indies.
Zimbabwe managed just four wins in six games, while Uganda and Namibia won five and six matches in as many outings, respectively. They lost to both teams in the Africa qualifiers, including a shock defeat against Uganda.
Sikandar Raza has backed the youngsters to deliver in T20Is ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. He recently told 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.
Click here for the Norths vs Worcester Vitality Blast match full scorecard.