Zimbabwe’s veteran cricketer Sikandar Raza has reached a career milestone by becoming the world’s No. 1 ODI all-rounder in the latest ICC Men’s Rankings, released this week.
The 39-year-old all-rounder, who has been the backbone of Zimbabwe’s middle order and a reliable bowling option, climbed to the top after his impressive performances in the recent ODI series against Sri Lanka in Harare. Raza scored 92 runs in the first match and followed it with an unbeaten 59 in the second, while also contributing with the ball.
His all-round display lifted his rating to 302 points, taking him ahead of Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai (296) and Mohammad Nabi (292). This marks the first time in his career that Raza has occupied the top spot, having previously peaked at No. 2 in December 2023.
Alongside his rise as an all-rounder, Raza also made gains in other categories. He moved up nine places to reach 22nd in the ODI batting rankings, close to his career-best of 24th, and improved one spot to stand at 38th among bowlers.
The latest rankings update also saw significant changes elsewhere. Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka, who was named Player of the Series, climbed seven spots to 13th among batters after scoring 198 runs. Meanwhile, South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj became the top-ranked ODI bowler, overtaking Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana, following a match-winning spell of 4 for 22 against England at Headingley.
For Raza, this achievement is a remarkable testament to longevity and consistency. At an age when most players consider retirement, the Zimbabwean star has not only extended his career but also cemented his place among the world’s very best.
