Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza is currently going through an unlucky phase. Despite giving his all, Zimbabwe had failed to qualify for the 2023 World Cup. And recently, Uganda toppled Zimbabwe from the qualifying spot by 2 points and ended Sikandar Raza’s T20 World Cup 2024 dream. Amid, in the ongoing Zimababwe vs Ireland T20I series, the 37-year-old cricketer was involved in an ugly verbal fight which almost got physical. Now, Raza has faced consequeces of his on-field rage.
The incident unfolded in Harare during the first T20I match of the series, with Raza leading the side in a chase of 149 runs. In the 14th over, Zimbabwe found themselves at 91 for 4, with Raza well-set at 44 runs off 29 balls. Despite the pressure, he seemed unstoppable. After the fifth ball of the over, Joshua Little attempted to disrupt Raza’s concentration through sledging, and in response, Raza retaliated by exchanging heated words
However, the situation escalated when Curtis Campher also hurled some words at him. This provoked the Zimbabwe captain, and in anger, he gestured with his bat and began charging towards Campher. The umpire intervened and managed to stop him. However, the spat didn’t break Raza’s concentration. Despite losing wickets at the other end, he went on to score an impressive knock of 65 runs off 42 balls, In the last ball, Zimbabwe needed two runs, and their No. 11, Muzarabani, delivered and secured a thrilling one-wicket win.
🚨 Sikandar Raza banned for two matches‼️
Sikandar Raza faced charges for aggressively approaching Campher & Little during the 1st T20I between #ZIMvIRE. #SikandarRaza pic.twitter.com/eLt9WGjgXm
— CricVerse (@CricVerse18) December 9, 2023
ICC banned Sikandar Raza for 2 matches
Following the incident, Sikanadar Raza, Curtis Campher and Joshua Little have been found guilty of breaching ICC’s code of conduct. The Zimbabwe skipper has been given 2-match ban, rulling him out from 2nd and 3rd T20 of the series. Additionaly, Raza fined 50% of his match fees. On the other hand, both Irish players have been given 1 demerit points and fined 15% of their match fees.
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In Sikanadar Raza’s absence, Sean Williams led the side yesterday and will continue the role in 3rd match. The Ireland’s tour consisted 3 ODI matches as well and Sikandar Raza will be eligigible to play all three games.