Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza achieves unique international feat

BULAWAYO: Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza achieved a landmark milestone in his international career during the third and final T20I against Bangladesh at Queens Sports Club on Sunday, becoming his country's most-capped international cricketer.

Raza overtook former all-rounder Hamilton Masakadza, who previously held the record with 313 appearances, to move to the top of Zimbabwe's all-time list with his 314th international match. 

Former captain Brendan Taylor is third with 303 appearances, making the trio the only Zimbabwe players to have featured in more than 300 international matches.

The veteran all-rounder has amassed 9,095 international runs and claimed 245 wickets across Tests, One-Day Internationals and T20 Internationals. His career record also includes nine centuries and three five-wicket hauls.

Most international appearances for Zimbabwe (Tests, ODIs and T20Is):

• Sikandar Raza – 314
• Hamilton Masakadza – 313
• Brendan Taylor – 303
• Grant Flower – 288
• Elton Chigumbura – 281
• Andy Flower – 276

Despite reaching the historic milestone, Raza was unable to inspire Zimbabwe to victory as Bangladesh secured a four-wicket win in the series decider to clinch the three-match T20I series 2-1.

Chasing 144, Bangladesh reached the target in 19.4 overs with six wickets down, thanks to an unbeaten 66 from opener Tanzid Hasan. His 58-ball knock featured one four and four sixes.

Wicketkeeper-batter Parvez Hossain Emon and captain Towhid Hridoy contributed 24 runs apiece, while Yasir Ali chipped in with 10 to help Bangladesh complete the chase.

Earlier, Zimbabwe posted 143-7 in their allotted 20 overs, built around a fighting half-century from Dion Myers and a solid opening partnership with Brian Bennett.

Myers top-scored with 73 off 53 deliveries, hitting seven fours and two sixes, while Bennett made 47 from 38 balls, including eight boundaries.