Zimbabwe Captain Sikandar Raza Hopes for Local Success in Zim Afro T10 Against David Warner

Harare, Zimbabwe – September 21: Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza is hopeful that a Zimbabwean player will outscore the seasoned batter David Warner in the ongoing Zim Afro T10. Warner, known for his destructive batting, is focused on scoring runs at the Harare Sports Club. Raza is optimistic that local players can outperform international stars in the second edition of the Zim Afro T10.

Raza stated, “We have attracted a lot more international cricketers, with the likes of David Warner, one of the main signings of the season this year. What T10 has done with the signings this year in all six franchises, this is going to be a very exciting tournament for sure.”

He added, “But more importantly, what I’m looking for is that I’m really hoping and praying and wishing that it’s a Zimbabwean who scores the most number of runs, takes the most number of catches, and takes the most number of wickets, because our growth for Zimbabwean cricket in this tournament is very crucial and that’s what I am looking forward to.”

While Warner, along with Dawid Malan, James Neesham, and Colin Munro, are among the big signings, pacer Blessing Muzarabani is the only Zimbabwean to have been picked as the Global Icon for the NYS Lagos. Raza expressed his happiness, saying, “Certainly, very happy with that, Blessing has done really well over the past year and he has suddenly earned that right to be a Global Icon as well. As long as there is Zimbabwean representation it makes me happy regardless of who that is. So, I’m really happy and proud of Blessing.”

Raza, who was a standout performer in the inaugural edition of the Zim Afro T10, said, “I know I am in a different team from last season, but the mentality is the same. To win the trophy and if I can contribute towards the winning of the trophy, that’ll be the best thing. Cricket is a team game, but filled with individual brilliance and if I can contribute for the success of the team, it will go a long way.”

He also had a message for younger Zimbabwean players: “Enjoy as much as you can, and learn and grow as much as you can. Try and spend as much time as you can with the overseas players that are here, because they are only here for 9-10 days. Try and learn as much as you can and you’ll see that you can take this learning in your personal growth and that will help you to become a better cricketer.”

Raza believes the future for the T10 format is bright and stated, “T10 is a format that can definitely take cricket to the Olympic Games.”