Some stories are meant to have a fairytale ending, and a man-of-the-match performance to deliver his side a crucial Vitality Blast T20 victory on his last appearance at New Road certainly helped Sikandar Raza end his Worcestershire Rapids story on a high.
The number one-ranked T20 all-rounder delivered another match-defining display for his team, who defended 142 with ease in the end, rattling through the Spitfires for just 59 in a simply magnificent bowling display.
At the halfway stage, it looked as though the Rapids may have pulled up under par, battling hard to edge towards 150, in large part thanks to Raza’s 68-run stand with skipper Adam Hose for the fourth wicket.
Hose played a calm and controlled innings to steady the ship for his side, whilst Raza (43 off 31) loosened up towards the back end of his innings to propel his team up to a competitive total.
Followed up with another outstanding spell of 2-8, Raza was delighted to contribute in such a pivotal contest, which keeps the hosts in with a strong chance of securing a playoff place.
“It’s one thing to win the game, but we needed to improve our run-rate, so to win by 80 runs was very good. It helps keep our dream alive,, and the run rate could be crucial. It was a very good win.
“I thought we left some runs out there, but I said to Hosey if we could get to around 150, we would be in a good position.
“Credit to Hosey, the way he hit the ball and carried the team to the last over. He did really well to get us to a competitive total.
“Then things went our way with the ball, but I think we did a lot of things right as well.
“After we finished well with the bat, we had the momentum on our side and those early wickets certainly helped build it.
“Once we had that momentum, what we did really well as a bowling unit was keep up the pressure and stay on top. Their wickets fell in clusters, and the win just got closer and closer for us.” –
It has been a memorable ride for Raza since arriving back in May, quickly embedding himself as a key cog in the Rapids side across all facets of the game.
Registering season-best figures of 4-17, the Zimbabwean’s influence with the ball has been significant to say the least, recording a total of nine wickets across the group stage.
Forming a pivotal partnership with Usama Mir in the middle overs and growing into a crucial cog in the batting line-up, the spinner engrained himself into the hearts of the Worcestershire fanbase.
Departing early to represent Zimbabwe in the upcoming ODI series, Raza looked back on his time at New Road fondly.
“But to see the team win suddenly without me, it will make me happy as well.
“So, as much as it’s sad, I’m actually happy that I’m going to represent my country, which is, for me, the ultimate honour.
“I think enjoy is not the word here. I think I have loved it.
“I love being part of the family, but the beauty about this was, it wasn’t just a family in the changing room or to the Worcester Cricket community.
“I think I became a family to the whole county, and everyone who comes to the ground. So I think they accepted me and welcomed me like a family, and I have loved being part of this family.”- https://wccc.co.uk/
