A fast bowler who has shown himself capable of putting in match-winning spells. Has missed some of Afghanistan’s biggest moments through injury and will be desperate to contribute this time.
Born: March 19, 1988
Role: Right-hand bat, right-arm fast-medium
The one real outlet of express, disarming pace in the Afghanistan attack, Zadran’s bowling action is somewhat reminiscent of Waqar Younis, and this raw speed was demonstrated when he clocked 90mph in an Asia Cup game in 2014.
Zadran made his List A debut in 2011 as part of the Afghanistan team that became the first international side to tour Pakistan following the Sri Lanka bus attack in 2009., before making his ODI debut against Canada the same year.
Nevertheless, his most significant moment for his nation since become a regular fixture in the side came just last year when he took a hat-trick in an ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier warm-up match against the Windies.
Removing Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell and Carlos Brathwaite in successive balls, finished the game with figures of 4-26 as his side shocked the T20 World Cup holders.
More than a nifty player with the bat, Zadran remained unbeaten in each of his four innings that he batted last year, including a 47* against Zimbabwe in Sharjah four years after smashing four sixes in the last seven balls against the same opposition, as well as a 40* against Hong Kong in Bulawayo.
However, while Zadran has come up with big moments for his country, he has missed out on his country’s most momentous occasions.
A knee injury and a nerve depression in his back caused the 30-year-old bowler not only to miss Afghanistan’s most recent exploits in the Asia Cup, but also their inaugural Test match against India in Bengaluru.
The paceman will hope not to miss out on another huge occasion for a nation becoming ever more popular among fans around the world.
AFGHANISTAN PLAYER PROFILES
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