Sikandar Raza Records Fastest ODI Century For Zimbabwe; Also Claims A Four-Wicket Haul

In the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2023, the hosts Zimbabwe continued their strong start by beating the Netherlands. The match-hero Sikandar Raza first claimed a four-wicket haul in that game before his fastest ODI century for Zimbabwe helped his nation to chase the 300+ target inside the 41 overs.  

Sikandar Raza in first innings 10-0-55-4

It was the fifth game of the tournament, which Harare Sports Club (Harare) hosted. After Zimbabwe sent the Netherlands to bat first, the Dutch side scored 315/6 in 50 overs. Opening partners Vikramjit Singh (88 off 111 balls; nine fours) and Max O'Dowd (59 off 67 balls; ten fours) scored 50+ runs, while the skipper Scott Edwards scored a quick 80 (83 off 74 balls; eight fours). 

Sikandar Raza finished that first innings with bowling figures of 10-0-55-4.

Sikandar Raza recorded the fastest ODI hundred for Zimbabwe: 54-ball 100

In chasing, Zimbabwe openers Joylord Gumbie (40 off 55 balls; five fours) and skipper Craig Ervine (50 off 48 balls; nine fours) set up a strong start for the hosts. Later, Sean Williams, who recorded the fastest ODI century for Zimbabwe in their previous ODI, scored 91 off just 58 balls (ten fours and two sixes) before losing his wicket.

Meanwhile, Sikandar Raza smashed his seventh ODI hundred by recording a 54-ball century. The right-handed batter was not out on 102 runs off only 54 balls (six fours and eight sixes) as he smashed a sixer to complete his century as well as the chasing. With that innings, Raza broke Williams’ record for the fastest ODI century for Zimbabwe.

Fastest ODI centuries for Zimbabwe (Top 5)

(Updated till 20 June 2023)

Zimbabwe chased down 316 runs target in 40.5 overs

Those dominating batting helped Zimbabwe to chase the 316 runs target in only 40.5 overs after losing four wickets. It was the fourth fastest 300+ chase in ODI cricket history.

Fastest 300+ ODI chase (Top 5)

(Updated till 20 June 2023)

Sikandar Raza successful dual role in an ODI

On the other hand, Sikandar Raza created history by taking a four-wicket haul as well as scoring a century in the same ODI.

• First Zimbabwean to score a century and claim a four-wicket haul in the same ODI. 

• First African cricketer to score a century and claim a four-wicket haul in the same ODI. 

• Seventh cricketer to record a hundred and four-wicket haul in the same ODI at home.

• Raza became the 16th cricketer to manage a hundred and four-wicket haul in the same ODI.