February 27, 2026
Zimbabwe walked off beaten. But their captain walked into history.
During the high-voltage T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eights clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Sikandar Raza carved his name into the record books. His brisk 31 off 21 balls did not alter the result against India, yet it carried weight far beyond the scoreboard.
When Raza nudged his way past the milestone, he became the first Zimbabwean to breach 3000 runs in men’s T20Is. Few saw this coming when he began his journey years ago in the shortest format.
He now sits on 3016 runs from 127 innings, striking at over 136. He has now 1 century and 16 fifties. Numbers that speak, but do not fully capture his grit.
With this feat, Raza joins an exclusive list of global heavyweights. Names like Babar Azam, Virat Kohli and David Warner dominate that chart. Now, a Zimbabwean stands alongside them.
Raza also owns 104 wickets in T20 internationals. That rare double of 3000 runs and 100 wickets places him in exclusive bracket of elite all-rounders. He looked calm when the landmark arrived, almost understated. But you could sense the pride.
India won by 72 runs. The crowd roared for the home side. Yet for Zimbabwe, the night belonged to one man.
In a tournament defined by big teams and bigger reputations, Sikandar Raza 3000 T20I runs becomes a headline that will echo well beyond this defeat.
With commanding displays from the side, Zimbabwe’s journey in the T20 World Cup 2026 carries a different shade.