A New High at Age 39
Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza has achieved something truly special. He is now the World No.1 ODI All-Rounder at 39, reaching this career-first milestone with a rating of 302 after the Sri Lanka series.
Raza overtook Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai after a brilliant series against Sri Lanka, where he scored 92 runs in one game, an unbeaten 59 in another, and also picked up a wicket.
Late Career, Peak Form
What makes this achievement stand out is Raza’s age. Many cricketers wind down by their late thirties, but he seems to be getting sharper. His consistency with both bat and ball has made him Zimbabwe’s heartbeat in limited-overs cricket.
This ranking isn’t just about numbers — it’s recognition for years of resilience and hard work.
A PSL Story to Remember
Raza’s impact hasn’t been limited to international cricket. In the 2025 PSL final, he arrived from England just before the toss — yet still scored under pressure and dismissed Rilee Rossouw. His clutch performance helped Lahore Qalandars pull off a record chase and lift the trophy.
Why It Matters for Zimbabwe
For Zimbabwe cricket, Raza’s rise is huge. The country has struggled for consistency at the top level, but having a world No. 1 player puts it back in the spotlight. It also sends a clear message: experience and grit can still take you to the top of world cricket.
Final Word
Sikandar Raza’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. From representing Zimbabwe for over a decade to becoming the No. 1 ODI all-rounder at 39, his story proves that passion can outlast age.
The world will be watching to see how long he can stay at the top — and whether his late-career peak can lift Zimbabwe to bigger achievements.
