![](https://566448.40t4n.group/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sikandar-Raza-1.jpg)
Brandon Moyo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THERE were mixed fortunes for Zimbabwe Cricket stars Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl in their respective T20 franchise leagues during the latest round of matches.
Raza, who is captaining Dubai Capitals in the International League T20 (ILT20) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), endured a tough day at the office as his side suffered a nine-wicket defeat to Sharjah Warriors.
Burl, meanwhile, played a key role with the bat to help Durbar Rajshahi defeat Sylhet Strikers by five wickets in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
It was a difficult outing for Raza and the Dubai Capitals, who were put in to bat first and managed to post 131/9 in their 20 overs.
The Sharjah Warriors chased down the target comfortably in just 11.5 overs, finishing on 135/1.
Raza, batting at number four, fell for just six runs off nine balls, caught by Jason Roy off an Ashton Agar de-livery in the 13th over. Shai Hope top-scored for the Capitals with 45 runs from 52 balls, while his opening partner, Adam Rossington, contributed 37 runs off 23 balls.
The only other Capitals batter to reach double digits was Rovman Powell, who finished unbeaten on 32 from 16 balls.
Sharjah Warriors’ bowlers shared the spoils, with Adam Zampa and Rohan Mustaffa taking two wickets apiece. Agar, Adam Milne, and Tim Southee claimed one wicket each for the victors.
With the ball, Raza was the only wicket-taker for the Dubai Capitals, claiming the sole scalp of Johnson Charles, who made 71 runs off 33 balls. Raza finished with figures of 1/9 from two overs. Tom Kohler-Cadmore ended the match unbeaten on 54 from 32 balls.
The defeat left Raza and his Capitals team with eight points from eight matches, having won four and lost as many.
In Bangladesh, Ryan Burl was in excellent form once again, scoring an unbeaten 48 runs to guide Durbar Rajshahi to a five-wicket victory over Sylhet Strikers, their sixth win in 12 outings.
Earlier, Burl had bowled just one over as his side restricted Sylhet Strikers to 117/9 in their 20 overs.
Durbar Rajshahi chased down the target in just 16.5 overs, finishing on 121/5.
Burl’s unbeaten 48 came from 34 balls, including five fours and two sixes.
Both Raza and Burl have been named in Zimbabwe’s T20I squad for their upcoming three-match series against Ireland, scheduled for February 22, 23, and 25 at Harare Sports Club.