Sikandar Raza conquered the top spot in ICC rankings

In a remarkable achievement, Zimbabwe’s star cricketer Sikandar Raza has clinched the No. 1 spot in the ICC Men’s ODI All-Rounder Rankings on September 3, 2025, marking a career milestone at the age of 39. Raza’s rise to the top, overtaking Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai, comes on the back of his sensational performances in a two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in Harare. Despite Zimbabwe’s 2-0 series loss, Raza’s back-to-back half-centuries and a wicket showcased his all-round prowess, earning him 302 rating points. His ascent is a testament to his skill and determination, inspiring fans and proving that age is no barrier to excellence in cricket.

Raza’s standout performances included a gritty 92 off 87 balls in the first ODI on August 29, 2025, coupled with a wicket for 48 runs in his 10 overs, followed by an unbeaten 59 off 55 balls in the second match. These efforts not only propelled him to the top of the all-rounder rankings but also saw him climb nine spots to 22nd in the ODI batting rankings and one spot to 38th in the bowling rankings. His consistent contributions with both bat and ball have made him a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s team, even in defeat, highlighting his ability to shine under pressure.

The series against Sri Lanka, though a loss for Zimbabwe, was a showcase of Raza’s versatility. In the first ODI, Sri Lanka posted 298/6, with Raza’s 92 nearly steering Zimbabwe to victory, falling just seven runs short. In the second match, his unbeaten 59 couldn’t prevent a five-wicket defeat as Sri Lanka chased down 277/7. Raza’s performances earned him widespread praise, with fans on social media celebrating his rise to the top, noting his previous career-high of second place in December 2023. His achievement as the first Zimbabwean to top the ODI all-rounder rankings adds a historic chapter to his legacy.

This milestone comes at a pivotal time for Raza, who is set to captain Zimbabwe in an upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka, starting September 3, 2025. His leadership and all-round skills will be crucial as Zimbabwe aims to bounce back from their ODI defeats. Raza’s journey, from his debut in 2013 to now topping the ICC rankings, is a story of perseverance, especially for a player from a nation with limited cricketing resources. His performances have not only elevated his status but also put Zimbabwe cricket in the global spotlight.For fans and aspiring cricketers, Raza’s achievement is a beacon of inspiration. At 39, he continues to defy expectations, blending aggressive batting, crafty off-spin, and sharp fielding. The cricketing world is abuzz with admiration for his grit, with many calling him a role model for younger players. As Zimbabwe prepares for future challenges, including the 2025 Champions Trophy qualifiers, Raza’s No. 1 ranking boosts the team’s morale and signals his intent to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in ODI cricket.