Sikandar Raza refused to rank Asian T20I teams while answering a question from a reporter in Rawalpindi.
Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza gave a sharp reply to a journalist during a press conference in Rawalpindi ahead of the T20I tri-series, involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Raza’s exchange with the Pakistani reporter has gone viral on social media, with many lauding the all-rounder for handling an unrelated question with grace and composure.
The moment unfolded when Raza addressed the media on the eve of the tournament opener between hosts Pakistan and Zimbabwe.
A reporter tried his best to stir a controversy, asking him to rank the best T20I sides in Asia and whether Zimbabwe were facing the first, second or third-best Asian team in the tri-series.
Here’s the complete exchange:
Reporter: “There is a debate going on social media. I need an honest opinion from you. Who is the second-best and best T20 team in Asia? From Sikandar’s point of view, is Zimbabwe playing the second-best or the third-best Asian teams in this tri-series?”
Raza: “Since I am in a national jersey, all I will tell you is that Zimbabwe are the second-best team in Africa. I don’t care who the first or second-best team in Asia is. I’ll address that when I am not in national colours. Right now, my focus is on my team. This is a press conference for a Zimbabwe captain, so I should answer questions about Zimbabwe. I personally don’t care who the first, second, third or fourth-best team in Asia is. We’re the second-best team in Africa and we’re looking to build on that. We’re trying to challenge the best team in Africa.”
Sikandar Raza was also asked whether Zimbabwe reaching the final of the tri-series would be considered an upset.
To which, he replied: “It might be an upset for you. I can read the room. Maybe you people are not giving us too much of a chance.”
Zimbabwe fought brilliantly in the tri-series opener against Pakistan at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday (November 18).
Riding on Brian Bennett’s 49 off 36 balls and Raza’s own 34 from 24 deliveries, Zimbabwe posted 147/8 in their allotted 20 overs.
In reply, the Men in Green were reeling at 54/4 by the 10th over. However, Fakhar Zaman’s 32-ball 44, Usman Khan’s 28-ball 37, and a late surge from Mohammad Nawaz (21 off 12 balls) took the hosts over the line with five wickets and four deliveries to spare.