Paarl's new 'Magic Man' Sikander Raza hoping to power Royals to SA20 playoffs

Paarl Royals hero Sikandar Raza is hoping he can do more “magic things” for his team as they push for a place in the Betway SA20 playoffs.

The Zimbabwean T20 captain has been inspirational since joining the Royals midway through the competition with the allrounder joint top of the wicket-takers leaderboard with 11 scalps. 

But on Tuesday evening, with the game on the line against Durban’s Super Giants, Raza elevated his new-found cult hero status at Boland Park to the next level, by smashing the last ball for six to see the Royals home in thrilling fashion. 

“Alhamdulillah, to finish the game, it feels nice. Yeah, we needed six of six and we got one of one. So initially, it was just trying to hit the pockets well and then run hard,” Raza said.

“Hopefully, a two will be there and a two there. And we will try and win the game with a ball or two to spare. Unfortunately, we ended up having a couple of dots as well.

“And then the last ball was basically just instincts to reaction. I mean, I had a shot in my head. If I found a ball, this is what I'm going to do.

“I didn't get the ball where I wanted, but then the rest was just, it could have easily hit my pad and would have been a one leg by or maybe whatever. But luckily, the ball found the middle of the bat, and it ended up traveling. So, it's a nice feeling to win the game.”

The 39-year-old, who is playing his first Betway SA20 season, is loving life at the Royals and claims it's due to captain David Miller’s encouragement. 

“I think the Paarl family is bringing the best out of me. The communication, the environment in the changing room. Dave has played a huge role,” he said.

“We've been in talks for a long time now. We have played against each other for a long time, and we have had a lot of mutual respect. I love the way he goes about his business.

“It's nice that he knows how I go and he's trusted me, how I go about my business as well. So, I think the trust from the captain and the team and the trust of the Paarl Royals family suddenly goes a long way and I think those are the things that bring the best out of a cricketer.”

He also also expressed his love for the Royals faithful that embraced him since his arrival. 

“Thank you very much to the Paarl Royals family. We hear you, we feel your presence. Your motivation, your singing, your words, your flags that you raised for us. We see it all, we feel it all,” he said.

“As a matter of fact, I would even go as far as saying you have been the 12th man for us and I keep requesting you to remain our 12th man.

“I think performances from cricketers truly and really depend on the culture, the environment, how much enjoyment and fun he's having. And I feel really truly humbled and blessed to be here. Those sort of things lifts you, you want to do those magic things for the team. Hopefully, Paarl can do something that hasn't been done before.”