Sikandar Raza shines as Chevrons level series with a five-wicket victory against Namibia

ASHLEY DUBE

WINDHOEK – Zimbabwe recorded their highest successful chase in T20 internationals as they levelled the series against Namibia. The Chevrons won by 5 wickets in the second match of the five-match series played at the Wanderers Stadium in Windhoek.

Sikandar Raza hitting big in the second T20I vs Namibia [Image: Zim Cricket]

Winning the toss once again, Zimbabwe opted to bowl first.

Namibia’s Michael van Lingen scored a quickfire half century in just 8.1 overs, taking advantage of some loose deliveries from the Zimbabwean bowlers, particularly Carl Mumba.

While a record-breaking total appeared imminent, Namibia struggled to build momentum due to the tight bowling of Ainsley Ndlovu and Tendai Chatara.

However, the removal of van Lingen by Ryan Burl helped stem the scoring rate. The hosts fell just short of 200 runs.

Sikandar Raza was instrumental in Zimbabwe’s pursuit of a target of 199, scoring a massive 82 runs from 35 deliveries.

His innings was boundary-laden, with three fours and nine sixes. Raza came in following yet another top order collapse.

He was named Player of the Match.

Nicholas Welch, showing his potential on the international stage, contributed 25 runs off 19 balls before departing.

Innocent Kaia started slowly before he teed hitting four fours and a six before he was dismissed on 37.

But it was Raza who stole the spotlight, forming a crucial 55-run partnership with Madhevere and delivering an outstanding performance overall.

With 18 runs required from the final over, Zimbabwe managed to score 19, thanks to Raza’s exceptional hitting, including a boundary off the final ball.