ZIMBABWE cricket team star Sikandar Raza provided another timely reminder of his status as one of the leading players in the world after putting on a vintage display with the bat to inspire Lahore Qalandars to register a 17-run win against Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League on Thursday night.
Qalandars were rescued by the excellence of Raza, who dragged his side from 47 for six to a competitive total of 148 all out in 19.2 overs.
Raza’s team went to restrict their opponents to 131 for seven in 20 overs to maintain top spot in the Pakistan Super League standings.
Batting down the order at number seven with his team struggling, Raza showed his prowess once again as he scored an unbeaten 71 runs off 34 balls to guide the Qalandars to a competitive total on a night where every other batter struggled.
The Zimbabwean stalwart’s brilliant innings consisted of eight fours and three sixes, striking at 208.82 percent.
Raza was supported by Afghanistan star Rashid Khan who made 21 runs off 20 deliveries as the pair added 69 in just 6.3 overs.
Defending a competitive total, Lahore Qalandars, were led by leg-spinner Khan (2-14) and Haris Rauf (3-22) as they restricted Quetta to 131 for seven.
The victory took Lahore Qalandars to the top of the Pakistan Super League standings with 10 points, two points clear of the Andy Flower-coached Multan Sultans.
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Raza will be hoping to continue his brilliant form with the bat when Lahore Qalandars face Multan Sultans in a top of the table encounter in Lahore today.
The 36-year-old Zimbabwean allrounder has been enjoying a busy season, having featured in T20 competitions in UAE, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal prior to the PSL.
Raza is also scheduled to feature in next month’s Indian Premier League (IPL) after being snapped up by Punjab Kings today at the 2023 IPL auction in December.
