Sports

In rare air: Raza gaining admirers with ridiculous 2022

Published

3 years ago

August 23, 2022

BY DANIEL BESWICK

Making his third century in six innings for Zimbabwe, this time against a sharp India bowling attack, Sikandar Raza further pushed his case as international cricket’s in-form white-ball player.

Clapped off and saluted by his opponents when he was dismissed for a 95-ball 115 in the penultimate over of their Super League ODI, the all-rounder came within inches of stealing victory from the game’s giants, who were pushed late into the Harare afternoon on Monday.

Coming in at the end of the 18th over, Raza already had his work cut out for him, with the hosts needing more than six an over.

A procession of wickets began as Regis Chakabva fell at the start of the 27th over, and all hopes seemed dead at 169/7 at the end of the 36th over, needing close to nine per over.

Raza did not shy away from the challenge, taking on the attack.

Moving from 46 to 100 in just 36 balls, Raza’s last push was only denied by Shubman Gill’s diving catch.

India snuck home as 12-run winners, though the plaudits again came thick and fast for the 36-year-old all-rounder, who boasts a head-turning record with bat and ball across both white-ball international formats in 2022.

On the ODI side, Raza has compiled 615 runs at 61.50, at a strike rate of 93.18, making two fifties to complement the three centuries.

All of his runs have come against teams in the top six of the ODI Super League, and all three of his centuries have come while chasing.

With the ball, Raza is reliable, taking seven wickets at an economy of under-five.

The exploits with the bat have seen his career numbers make a dramatic jump, with his career average moving up from 34.60 to 37.38 since the start of January.

Making 516 runs at 39.69 and with a strike rate of 152.21 in the shorter format, the man in the middle-order has added an attacking dimension to his game in 2022, and his leap in form in the shorter format has been even more dramatic when looking at the same time split.

As of January 1, Raza’s career average in the format sat at just 13.43, with a strike rate of 106.93.

Over the next six months, Raza would go on to almost double his career T20I run tally, taking his career average to 20, and strike rate above 125.

Player of the tournament at T20 World Cup Qualifier B in July on home soil, Raza made an impact in almost every match, and the string of outstanding individual performances led to an undefeated run in the campaign.

Opening with 87 (40) at No.5 and outside the Powerplay against Singapore, Raza’s 82* (40) over USA lifted Zimbabwe to the top of their Qualifier group, with a late-innings 22 (14) against PNG helping his side to a total of 199 in the all-important semi-final.

With the ball, his wicket of Assad Vala helped secure Zimbabwe’s qualification, and his bowling exploits again came to the fore in the tournament final, taking 4/8 against the Netherlands.

Raza’s exploits in the short format have not been exclusive to just tournament action though.

Claiming a wicket in the first two T20Is against Bangladesh, Raza’s 65* from 26 balls stunned the visitors, with the knock followed up by 62 (53) in the second T20I.

Playing for a side refreshed under new coach Dave Houghton, who took over ahead of the Qualifier, Raza’s run in form bodes well for the side’s T20 World Cup campaign in October, where Zimbabwe face Ireland, West Indies and Scotland in the First Round.

A solid middle-over player who can launch at the death, and bowling a reliable brand of off-spin, Raza is perched at 11th on the MRF Tyres ICC T20I All-Rounder rankings, just two rating points behind Sri Lanka star Wanindu Hasaranga.

For now though, the aim for Raza and a rejuvenated Zimbabwe side are solid performances across both formats in Australia.

Before the T20 World Cup, Zimbabwe head Down Under to take on Australia in Townsville for three ODI Super League matches, beginning on August 28.

It is Zimbabwe’s first visit to the country since 2015 and for Raza it will be the first time he has played against the all-conquering Aussies away from home.

ODI stats in 2022

615 runs at 61.50, Strike Rate 93.18, 3 centuries, 2 fifties
7 wickets at 52.85, economy 4.86

T20I stats in 2022

516 runs at 39.69, strike rate 152.21
15 wickets at 19.06, economy 5.95 – ICC

Sports

Zimparks, VFWT join forces to rescue snared elephant

Published

1 week ago

August 5, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A dramatic rescue operation was carried out last week by the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, in collaboration with Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks), to save a young female elephant from a wire snare.

According to a statement posted by the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust on Facebook:

“Last week, we received an urgent call from Zimparks about a young female elephant in distress—a wire snare was tightly wrapped around her mouth and tusks.”

The elephant was spotted near Masuwe Lodge, where her herd was peacefully drinking at the waterhole. Acting swiftly, the trust’s team carefully separated the distressed elephant from her herd and darted her, allowing them to remove the snare and collect vital health samples.

Thankfully, the wire hadn’t cut deeply, and the young elephant was soon back on her feet, reunited with her family.

The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust expressed gratitude to Zimparks and Adrian Read for their dedication to protecting wildlife, saying:

“Thank you to Zimparks and Adrian Read for their dedication to protecting our wildlife.”

National

Chidzivo, Waison take top honors at Vic Falls Marathon

Published

1 month ago

July 7, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Blessing Waison and Fortunate Chidzivo took top honors at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon yesterday, as Zimbabwean long-distance runners excelled at Africa’s most prestigious road race.

Econet General Manager – Marketing, Mrs Tariro Muchena (left), and Finance Director, Mr Chengeto Moyo, present the winner’s prize to men’s marathon champion, Blessing Waison, at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, while Victoria Falls Mayor, Mr Prince Moyo, looks on

The event, which featured athletes from over 40 countries, saw Waison storm to victory in the men’s full marathon, clocking 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 16 seconds. He narrowly beat decorated Olympian Isaac Mpofu in a thrilling duel that brought thousands of spectators to their feet.

Godwin Katakura followed closely in third, completing an all-Zimbabwean podium sweep in the 42.2km race. The trio’s success came with bigger rewards this year, after Econet Wireless doubled the total prize purse to $50,000.

Waison walked away with $3,000, while Mpofu and Katakura earned $2,000 and $1,500, respectively.

In the women’s marathon, Chidzivo delivered a commanding performance, clocking 2 hours and 42 minutes to claim another major title in her illustrious career. Ethel Pangiso and Phillipa Dube completed the women’s podium in second and third place, respectively.

Rising star Wayne Kabondo turned heads in the men’s 21km half marathon, overcoming a formidable field to finish in 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds. Kabondo pocketed $1,500 for his efforts.

In the women’s 21km race, Caroline Mhandu crossed the line in 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 50 seconds, ahead of Miriam Sibanda and Melody Kaseke.

The marathon’s inclusive spirit was evident in the 18km Specially Abled Races, which saw uplifting performances across different categories. Godknows Hamadziripi claimed the men’s tricycle title, while Samson Muroyiwa won the handcycle event.

Among the women, Stella Jongwe triumphed in the handcycle race, and Ratidzo Tomu took first position in the tricycle category.

Organized by Econet Wireless in partnership with Wild Horizons, the 2025 edition drew over 5,000 participants and spectators from more than 40 countries. The marathon route, widely regarded as Africa’s most scenic, winds through game reserves and offers spectacular views of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.

https://x.com/vic_falls_live/status/1941861569450725776?s=46

Beyond the races, this year’s event featured live music, traditional dance, health expos, and community wellness activities.

Slider

Ex- Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson enjoys holiday break in Victoria Falls

Published

5 months ago

March 3, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

Legendary former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been enjoying a holiday in Victoria Falls.

The 83-year-old Scot who has sufferer a series of personal setbacks in the last few years looked healthy and happy as he was mobbed by Manchester United fans during his visit to Zimbabwe’s premier tourist destination.

Ferguson was happy to pose for pictures with staff at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge on Sunday at the end of his three-day stay.

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority took note of his visit, posting on X: “We appreciate your choice of your holiday destination Sir Alex Ferguson. Zimbabwe loves you, please come again and continue to experience Zimbabwe.”

Ferguson resigned as Manchester United manager in 2013 after 26 years at the club and remains the most successful manager in English Premier League history.

In 2018, he collapsed at home and was rushed to hospital with a brain hemorrhage which required surgery.

In 2023, his wife Cathy died at the age of 84 and a year later Ferguson stood down from his role as an ambassador for Manchester United it seems to travel the world.

SOURCE: ZIMLIVE