- Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza is optimistic about his team’s performance in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 match that will take place on Thursday.
- The 36-year-old all-rounder referred to Pakistan as a very good side while also stating that his country was prepared for the challenge.
- The Zimbabwean batter believes Pakistan’s attack is one of the most effective in the competition.
Sikandar Raza, an all-rounder for Zimbabwe, is optimistic about his team’s performance in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 match that will take place on Thursday against Pakistan.
In an interview given exclusively to Geo News, the Zimbabwean player, who is 36 years old, referred to Pakistan as a very good side while also stating that his country was prepared for the challenge.
“I am really looking forward to this game. We’ve had some very good games in the past against Pakistan. Now that we are on the board as well with the point as well, hopefully a win tomorrow can take us forward in the tournament,” he said ahead of the game against Pakistan.
Despite this, the native of Sialkot was wary of the difficulty that Pakistan would present to them.
“Pakistan is home to what I believe to be one of the most effective attacks. I believe that it is without a doubt one of the most effective attacks in the competition. Along with Australia and India, England possesses a formidable attacking unit as well. The Zimbabwean batter had this to say about Pakistan’s seamers: “But I do think Pakistan has got the right mixture when it comes to seamers.”
“Pakistan has always been a very strong bowling side. And, having said that, with Rizwan and Babar at the top as well and the way they have performed over the years, if I’m not mistaken, these two have the world record of the most number of runs scored as a partnership.
“So, I think Pakistan got the right mixture of cricketers when it comes to bowlers and batters to chase down or to defend any sort of total. So, it’s quite important and exciting match and we are really looking forward to it together.”
During the first round of the competition, Sikandar had scored 82 points against Ireland and 40 points against Scotland, both of which helped his team advance to the Super 12 stage.
When asked about his form and his personal goals for the match, the batting all-rounder responded that he doesn’t like to make big claims because he doesn’t want to get his hopes up.
“I’m never a big guy to answer that,” he said when asked if he’s confident of continuing his form.
“What will be, will be. I’ve done the work in the nets and leave the rest to Allah [Almighty] hands. I’ve done all I could to give myself a chance to do well. If I do well, Alhamdulillah [all praise is due to Allah Almighty]. If I don’t do well still Alhamdulillah, [because] it’s something that’s out of my hand. What is in my hand is to work hard and I’ve done that,” he said.
In response to a question, Sikandar stated that it is difficult for Zimbabwean players to “adjust under lights” because his team hasn’t competed in a lot of matches under those kinds of circumstances. On the other hand, he expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance throughout the tournament, particularly in the games that were played with the lights on.
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