By Zim Sport Live Writer
Sikandar Raza became Zimbabwe’s most-capped international cricketer after making his 314th appearance during the Chevrons’ four-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the third and final T20 International at Queens Sports Club on Sunday.
The milestone saw the 39-year-old all-rounder move clear of former captain Hamilton Masakadza, who retired with 313 international appearances.
Raza’s latest outing came more than 13 years after he made his international debut against Bangladesh at the same venue on 3 May 2013, completing a fitting full-circle moment in his career.
The Zimbabwe captain has now represented his country in 22 Test matches, 156 One-Day Internationals and 136 T20 Internationals, establishing himself as one of the nation’s most influential cricketers across all three formats.
Despite the personal milestone, Raza admitted the occasion became even more memorable because of an unexpected family surprise.
“It was made more special by the little presentation that Zimbabwe Cricket and Hammy (Hamilton Masakadza) did,” Raza said.
“But it was made even more special that my son was here. He wasn’t supposed to be here. He was with his school.
“I didn’t know there was going to be a ceremony and things like that. To have my son with me here suddenly made it even more special.”
Raza’s achievement adds another landmark to a distinguished international career that has seen him become one of Zimbabwe’s modern-day greats, with the all-rounder continuing to play a central role for the Chevrons more than a decade after his debut.