Muqaddar ka Sikandar: How Raza turned heartbreak into happiness for Zimbabwe
India Today
T20 World Cup: Zimbabwe missed out on qualifying for the tournament in 2024, but this time around, Sikandar Raza's men have secured their berth in the Super 8. It was Raza, with his inspirational leadership and attitude, aims to keep his side grounded and continue their journey towards bigger goals at the T20 World Cup 2026.
The most remarkable thing about time and fortune is that they are never constant - they change. Just when you believe it’s all over, magic steps in and surprises you in ways you never expected. Sikandar Raza will agree to this fact.
Back in 2023, Raza was the captain when Zimbabwe lost to Uganda by five wickets in Windhoek, a crushing defeat that meant his team failed to qualify for the T20 World Cup 2024. It seemed that this was Raza’s only real chance to deliver glory for Zimbabwe on the world stage. Raza also endured a personal loss just months before the start of the T20 World Cup as his young brother passed away at the age of 13 in December. But, as life often does, it presented him with a beautiful gift in ways no one could have predicted.
27 months after that painful loss to Uganda, Raza experienced his moment of triumph, leading to jubilant celebrations with his fans after the match against Ireland on Tuesday. And why not? After the bitter disappointment of missing out last time, Zimbabwe had fought their way into the Super 8 this time, turning sorrow into elation.
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Raza will turn 40 in just three months. Yet his heart remains young, and his passion undiminished, as he continues to inspire Zimbabwe at every turn. For many players after the age of 35, thoughts of retirement begin to creep in, but for Raza, it feels like a new lease on life.
His career has flourished in ways many thought improbable, and he continues to set an example for his teammates at the highest level through aggressive batting, shrewd leadership, and the relentless determination that lifts an entire nation.
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T20 World Cup: Zimbabwe missed out on qualifying for the tournament in 2024, but this time around, Sikandar Raza's men have secured their berth in the Super 8. It was Raza, with his inspirational leadership and attitude, aims to keep his side grounded and continue their journey towards bigger goals at the T20 World Cup 2026.
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