Zimbabwean skipper Sikandar Raza was asked for his opinion about who, according to him, is the second-best T20I side in Asia. The star all-rounder rather came up with very cold replies, claiming themselves as the second-best team in Africa, and that is all he cares about.
Pakistan, despite so many troubles, is hosting Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe for a tri-series starting on the 18th of November. Zimbabwe was called in on board after Afghanistan, the first team finalized for the series, withdrew due to a series of attacks on their territory.
Zimbabwe has a unique record in the shortest format of the game, as they have previously defeated Pakistan in a T20 World Cup game. Considering their unique record, the Zimbabwean skipper Sikandar Raza has been asked several tricky questions as of now.
Sikandar Raza tears through Pakistan in a press conference
In the press conference ahead of the Tri-series, the Zimbabwean skipper was questioned by one of the Pakistani journalists as to who, according to him, is the second-best T20I side in Asia.
To this question, Sikandar Raza, who was all ears until now, simply went on to claim that, “All I would tell you, since now I am in my national jersey, Zimbabwe is the second-best team in Africa. I don’t care about who is the second-best team in Asia.”
“I would address that when I am not in the national jersey. Right now, all my focus and attention is on Zimbabwe; it’s a press conference for a Zimbabwean captain, and everything I will and should answer is for Zimbabwe.”
“I personally don’t care who the second, third, fourth or tenth best team in Asia. We are the second-best team in Africa and are looking to challenge the best team in Africa, which is South Africa, as many times we are given the opportunity,” he concluded.
“It might be an upset for you….But not for me,” Raza silences the Pakistan reporters ahead of the tri-series
The second question, which was put in front of the skipper by the Pakistani reporter, was whether it would be upsetting for Zimbabwe to qualify for the finals of the tri-series, or if it would just be a pretty normal thing.
“It might be an upset for you, as I can read the room; you people are not giving us too much chance to get to the final. For you guys, Zimbabwe beating Pakistan would be an upset, but not for me,” said Sikandar Raza, who gave Zimbabwe much of a chance to qualify for the finals.
Zimbabwe had also defeated the Sri Lankan side during their tour to Zimbabwe just ahead of the Asia Cup this year. This boosts their confidence against both these teams, and they fancy their chances to reach the finals.
Pakistan crept past Zimbabwe to earn its first points in the Tri-series
Zimbabwe did not do a fascinating job with the bat, yet some of their batters contributed interestingly to lead them to a target of 148 runs in front of the Men in Green at their home. Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, and Sikandar Raza remained the pick of the batters.
For Pakistan, Fakhar Zaman went on to score 44 runs coming down the order. The innings was the anchor that held the Pakistan innings together after a horrific collapse of their top order, with Babar Azam scoring a duck and Salman Agha going cheaply for just 1 run.
Mohammad Nawaz, the player of the match, was stunned by his terrific show with the bat and ball and helped them to a comfortable victory. Sikandar Raza’s team will next take on Sri Lanka in the second game of the tri-series.